First Law of Thermodynamics
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to state and apply the First Law of Thermodynamics
- Students will be able to calculate work done by or on gases in various processes
- Students will be able to analyze thermodynamic processes using PV diagrams
Core Concepts
- internal_energy_change
- heat_input
- work_done
- energy_conservation
- thermodynamic_process
- pv_diagram
Formulas
$$\Delta U = Q - W$$
First Law of Thermodynamics (ΔU is change in internal energy, Q is heat added, W is work done by system)
$$W = P \Delta V$$
Work done by gas during expansion at constant pressure
Units
| joule | J |
Interesting Fact
The First Law is a statement of conservation of energy applied to thermodynamics
Key Scientist
James Joule
Experimental demonstration of mechanical equivalent of heat
Modern Research
The First Law governs all thermodynamic calculations in engineering, from power plants to refrigeration systems; it's fundamental to energy accounting.
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