What Happens When U, Q, and W Are Negative in the First Law of Thermodynamics?

In summary, The first law of thermodynamics states that the change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system. When the values of internal energy, heat, and work are negative, it means that the system is losing energy. The change in internal energy can also indicate changes in temperature or phase changes, depending on the specific system. Negative values for heat and work indicate that the system is supplying heat to its surroundings and doing negative work on its surroundings, respectively.
  • #1
Sixty3
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Homework Statement


I am looking into the first law of thermodynamics.
But I'm not sure with some parts.

Homework Equations


dU=Q-W What does it mean when U Q and W are negatives.
Also solids with W=0

The Attempt at a Solution


So the equation will change to -U=-Q+W
Does it lose it's internal energy?
 
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  • #2
It's

[tex] dU = \delta Q - \delta W [/tex]

If dU is negative that means that the system loses internal energy. The temperature goes down, or water freezing etc.

if [itex] \delta Q [/itex] is negative, the system supplies heat to its surroundings.

if [itex] \delta W [/itex] is negative, the system does negative work on its surroundings, this is the same as positive work done on the system
 

FAQ: What Happens When U, Q, and W Are Negative in the First Law of Thermodynamics?

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?

The First Law of Thermodynamics is a fundamental principle in physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

How does the First Law of Thermodynamics relate to energy conservation?

The First Law of Thermodynamics is often referred to as the law of energy conservation because it states that the total energy of a closed system remains constant. This means that energy cannot be created or destroyed within a system, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

What is an example of the First Law of Thermodynamics in action?

An example of the First Law of Thermodynamics in action is a car engine. The chemical energy in gasoline is converted into thermal energy through combustion, which then powers the movement of the car. Despite the various forms of energy involved, the total energy within the system remains constant.

How is the First Law of Thermodynamics related to the conservation of mass?

The First Law of Thermodynamics is closely related to the conservation of mass. This is because energy and mass are equivalent, according to Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2. Therefore, the law of energy conservation also applies to mass conservation.

Can the First Law of Thermodynamics be violated?

The First Law of Thermodynamics is a fundamental law of nature and has been observed to hold true in all physical systems. Therefore, it is not possible for it to be violated. However, it is important to note that the law only applies to closed systems, so it may appear to be violated in open systems where energy is exchanged with the surroundings.

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