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Fundamentals of the First Law of Thermodynamics

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The First Law of Thermodynamics, a cornerstone of energy conservation, states that energy within a closed system is constant, merely changing forms. This law introduces internal energy and refutes perpetual motion machines. It's mathematically expressed as ∆U = Q - W, where ∆U is the change in internal energy, Q is heat added, and W is work done. Historical figures like Joule and Clausius contributed to its development, which has practical applications in understanding energy transfer in thermodynamic processes.

Exploring the Fundamentals of the First Law of Thermodynamics

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the principle of energy conservation, asserts that within a closed system, energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only change forms. This principle is essential for understanding energy transfer, particularly through heat and work. The law introduces the concept of internal energy, a property that reflects the total energy contained within a system. For an isolated system, the internal energy remains constant, which underscores the impossibility of creating a perpetual motion machine of the first kind, as it would require continuous output without any energy input.
Classic steam locomotive with black cylindrical boiler, polished brass valves, pressure gauge in the foreground and spoked wheels blurred by steam.

Mathematical Expression of the First Law

The first law of thermodynamics is mathematically represented by the equation ∆U = Q - W, where ∆U denotes the change in internal energy, Q represents the heat added to the system, and W is the work done by the system. This relationship, rooted in the work of Rudolf Clausius, can also be interpreted using sign conventions that treat energy transfers into the system as positive and those out of the system as negative. In a quasistatic process, the work done by or on the system is the product of pressure and volume change, while the change in internal energy equals the net heat supplied minus the work done.

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00

The ______ law of thermodynamics is also known as the principle of ______ conservation.

first

energy

01

The first law of thermodynamics is crucial for comprehending ______ transfer, especially via heat and ______.

energy

work

02

Internal energy is a property indicating the total energy within a ______.

system

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