First law of thermodynamics

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First Law of Thermodynamics Calculator

Heat (Q):
Work (W):

Change in Internal Energy (ΔU):

The first law of thermodynamics, often referred to as the law of energy conservation, is a fundamental principle in physics and thermodynamics. It states that:

"The total energy of an isolated system is constant; energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another."

Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

\[ \Delta U = Q - W \]

Where:

- \(\Delta U\) represents the change in internal energy of the system.

- \(Q\) represents the heat added to the system.

- \(W\) represents the work done by the system.

This equation illustrates that any heat added to a system must either increase its internal energy or be used to perform work. Similarly, if the system does work, it loses an equivalent amount of energy, which can manifest as either a decrease in internal energy or heat transfer.

The first law of thermodynamics is a fundamental concept in understanding energy transfer and conversion in various physical and engineering systems, including engines, refrigerators, and chemical reactions. It forms the basis for many other principles in thermodynamics and has broad applications in science and engineering.