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Greetings, First law of thermodynamics states: U=Q-W. I am havingtrouble with un

ID: 1747102 • Letter: G

Question

Greetings, First law of thermodynamics states: U=Q-W. I am havingtrouble with understanding the concepts of this equation and whatit implies when variables change. Examples are below. 1. During an adiabatic (Q=0) process, U=-W. What doesdelta U=-W mean? That internal energy is decreasing when work ispositive (if you switch the signs)? Why does this happen, if mythinking is correct? 2. During constant volume (Work=0): U=Q. What does thismean? That all heat and internal energy is being transfered amongsteach other? 3. And finally, in a closed cycle (U=0), which meansthat Q=W. Does this mean that heat and work are the same? And whyis delta U=0 in a closed cycle? Does this mean that all the heat isheld in a piston without being able to escape? Thanks and will rate high for a simple explanation of thesevariables! Greetings, First law of thermodynamics states: U=Q-W. I am havingtrouble with understanding the concepts of this equation and whatit implies when variables change. Examples are below. 1. During an adiabatic (Q=0) process, U=-W. What doesdelta U=-W mean? That internal energy is decreasing when work ispositive (if you switch the signs)? Why does this happen, if mythinking is correct? 2. During constant volume (Work=0): U=Q. What does thismean? That all heat and internal energy is being transfered amongsteach other? 3. And finally, in a closed cycle (U=0), which meansthat Q=W. Does this mean that heat and work are the same? And whyis delta U=0 in a closed cycle? Does this mean that all the heat isheld in a piston without being able to escape? Thanks and will rate high for a simple explanation of thesevariables!

Explanation / Answer

From the First law of Thermodynamics :                  Q   =   U + W It can be defined as :           The toal amount of heat given to a system is utilised to increase the internal energy of the system and to doexternal workdone. (1)           Duringthe adiabatic process :   Heat ( Q) remainsconstant  , hence Q = 0            From first law :                      0   =    U + W                or U = - W Hence the work decreases it is nothing but positivework. (2)        If Volume isconstat , change in volume ( dV) = 0           W   = P . dV   = 0          From first law :                      Q =    U   Hence the toal heat given to a system is utilised toincrease its internal energy. (3)        In a closedcycle   :   U = 0      From first law :                      Q   =     W Hence in this process , Heat given to a system isutilised to do the Work. Hope this helps u!                      Q =    U   Hence the toal heat given to a system is utilised toincrease its internal energy. (3)        In a closedcycle   :   U = 0      From first law :                      Q   =     W Hence in this process , Heat given to a system isutilised to do the Work. Hope this helps u!                      Q   =     W Hence in this process , Heat given to a system isutilised to do the Work. Hope this helps u!