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The Change in Internal Energy formula calculates the energy change in a thermodynamic system using the first law of thermodynamics. It represents the difference between the total heat supplied to the system and the work done by the system.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula is derived from the first law of thermodynamics, which states that the change in internal energy of a system equals the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system.
Details: Calculating internal energy change is crucial for understanding energy transformations in thermodynamic processes, analyzing system efficiency, and studying heat transfer in various engineering applications.
Tips: Enter total heat and work done values in Joules. Both values must be non-negative numbers. The calculator will compute the change in internal energy.
Q1: What does a positive ΔU value indicate?
A: A positive ΔU indicates that the internal energy of the system has increased, meaning more energy was added to the system than was used to do work.
Q2: What does a negative ΔU value indicate?
A: A negative ΔU indicates that the internal energy has decreased, meaning the system did more work than the heat energy it received.
Q3: Can ΔU be zero?
A: Yes, ΔU can be zero when the total heat supplied equals the work done by the system, indicating no net change in internal energy.
Q4: What are the units used in this calculation?
A: The standard unit for all quantities in this calculation is Joule, which is the SI unit of energy.
Q5: Is this formula applicable to all thermodynamic systems?
A: This formula applies to closed systems where only heat transfer and work are the energy exchange mechanisms with the surroundings.