First Law of Thermodynamics: Isothermal Processes The first law of thermodynamics states that the net change in energy of a closed system is equal to the he...
First Law of Thermodynamics: Isothermal Processes
The first law of thermodynamics states that the net change in energy of a closed system is equal to the heat energy transferred to the system, minus the work done by the system on its surroundings. Symbolically, the first law can be expressed as:
ΔE = Q - W
In this equation:
ΔE represents the change in energy of the system.
Q represents the heat energy transferred to the system.
W represents the work done by the system on its surroundings.
In an isothermal process, the heat energy transferred to the system is equal to the change in internal energy of the system. Therefore, we have:
Q = ΔE
First Law of Thermodynamics: Adiabatic Processes
An adiabatic process is a process in which there is no heat exchange between the system and its surroundings. As a result, the change in internal energy of the system is equal to the change in energy of the surroundings. Symbolically, the first law for adiabatic processes can be expressed as:
ΔE = W
In this equation:
ΔE represents the change in energy of the system.
W represents the work done by the system on its surroundings.
Adiabatic processes are commonly encountered in real-world situations, such as when a can of soda is opened or a metal spoon is placed in hot water. During an adiabatic process, the temperature of the surroundings remains constant, regardless of the amount of work done or heat transferred to or from the system