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Question

What is a real life example of the first law of thermodynamics?


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Solution

1. The first law of thermodynamics is related to the conservation of energy which states that energy is neither created nor destroyed but rather can be converted to different forms.

2. It states that the total energy of the surroundings and system remains constant. The mathematical statement of the law can be given as follows:

The amount of heat given to a system is equal to the sum of the increase in internal energy of the system and the external work done.”

3. The mathematical formula representing the first law of thermodynamics is q=ΔU+W,

where, q = heat added or removed from the system.

ΔU = change in internal energy.

W = net work done on the system.

4. Internal energy (U) is the sum of the kinetic energies that are shown by the individual gas particles present in the system.

5. With the increase in the motion of the particles, the temperature as well as the internal energy of the system increases. Thus, the temperature is directly proportional to the internal energy of the system.

6. Thus, it mainly emphasizes the conversion of energy from one form to another like heat energy to light, chemical energy to heat energy, etc.

7. The most common example of the first law of thermodynamics is the heat engine, which uses heat energy to carry out work like the Carnot engine.

8. Other simple examples include throwing a ball from the top of a building to the ground (potential energy to kinetic energy), Photosynthesis reaction ( light energy to chemical energy), Combustion of wood (chemical energy to heat energy), etc.


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