1ST LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

The first law of thermodynamics states that the heat energy transfered to a system, will be equal to the sum of the increase in the internal energy of the system plus the work done by the system on its environment. I.e where δQ = heat energy supplied, δU = increase in internal energy and W = workdone on environment,

Notes:

• Adiabatic means the temperature stays the same, so if a system under goes a adiabetic process, δQ = 0 and δU = -W.
• From the above equation, internal energy (δU) can be raised either by supplying heat to it or doing work on it.