Quick Internal Energy Question

Thread starter AirForceOne
Start date Sep 26, 2010
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Energy Internal Internal energy

In summary, internal energy is the total energy contained within a system and is measured in joules or calories using instruments such as calorimeters or thermometers. It is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, volume, and the number of particles present. Internal energy can be converted into other forms of energy and plays a crucial role in determining a system's behavior, including changes in temperature, physical and chemical properties, and the ability to do work or undergo phase transitions.

Sep 26, 2010

AirForceOne

Is the internal energy for a closed cycle always zero?

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Sep 26, 2010

Sakha

What we measure is the change in internal energy. After the whole cycle is done, the change in internal energy between the start and the finish is zero.

1. What is internal energy?

Internal energy is the total energy contained within a system, including the kinetic energy of its particles and the potential energy due to their interactions. It is a measure of the system's microscopic properties and is typically denoted by the symbol U.

2. How is internal energy measured?

Internal energy is measured in joules (J) or calories (cal) using instruments such as calorimeters or thermometers. It can also be calculated using equations that take into account the system's temperature, pressure, and other variables.

3. What factors affect internal energy?

The internal energy of a system depends on its temperature, pressure, volume, and the number of particles present. Changes in these factors can lead to changes in the system's internal energy.

4. Can internal energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, internal energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as mechanical work or heat. This conversion is described by the first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can be transferred or converted between different forms.

5. How does internal energy affect a system's behavior?

The internal energy of a system plays a crucial role in determining its behavior. For example, an increase in internal energy can lead to an increase in temperature, which can cause changes in the system's physical and chemical properties. Additionally, changes in internal energy can also affect a system's ability to do work or undergo phase transitions.