BeginnerTopic 10 of 105Thermodynamics & Fluids

First law of thermodynamics

Energy is conserved: ΔU=Q-W.

In depth

Energy is conserved: Q-W=ΔU (closed) or Q̇-Ẇ=Σṁ(h+V²/2+gz)out-Σṁ(...)in (steady flow). It applies to every system and process, and allows unknown heat, work or state to be found from known quantities.

Key points

  • Include KE and PE if significant
  • Sign convention
  • Cannot create or destroy energy
Example

Compressing gas with 50 kJ of work while losing 20 kJ as heat raises internal energy by 30 kJ.

Why it matters

The first law is the energy conservation statement for thermal systems, and every energy calculation depends on it.

Where this is used

  • Calculating the heat needed to compress and cool a gas in a compressor.
  • Checking the energy balance of a closed piston cylinder during an expansion.
  • Verifying the performance of a heat engine from measured heat and work.

Frequently asked questions

What is First law of thermodynamics?

Energy is conserved: ΔU=Q-W.

Why is it important to understand first law of thermodynamics?

The first law is the energy conservation statement for thermal systems, and every energy calculation depends on it.

What does the first law say?

The change in internal energy equals the heat added minus the work done by the system, so energy is conserved.

Does the first law tell me if a process can happen?

No. It only conserves energy. The second law determines whether a process is possible and in which direction it proceeds.

How is First law of thermodynamics used in practice?

Typical applications include calculating the heat needed to compress and cool a gas in a compressor, checking the energy balance of a closed piston cylinder during an expansion and verifying the performance of a heat engine from measured heat and work.

What should I learn before First law of thermodynamics?

Study "Internal energy and enthalpy" first (topic 9 of 105 in Thermodynamics & Fluids). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of First law of thermodynamics?

Include KE and PE if significant. Sign convention. Cannot create or destroy energy.

Can you give an example of First law of thermodynamics?

Compressing gas with 50 kJ of work while losing 20 kJ as heat raises internal energy by 30 kJ.

What comes after First law of thermodynamics?

The next topic is "Ideal gas law", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is First law of thermodynamics?

It is classed as Beginner in Thermodynamics & Fluids (topic 10 of 105). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

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