Thermodynamic Changes in Phase Transitions

In summary, the conversation is discussing the changes in internal energy (U), quantity of heat (Q), and work (W) for different processes involving water at constant temperature. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that U = Q + W. For (a) water freezing to ice, delta U < 0 as heat is released during the formation of bonds. For (b) ice melting to water, delta U > 0 as heat is supplied to break the bonds. For (c) water evaporating, delta U > 0 as heat is supplied for vaporization. And for (d) water boiling, delta U < 0 as heat is released during vaporization.
  • #1
kram
2
0

Homework Statement


Does the internal energy increase/decrease(U), quantity of heat released or supplied (Q), and work done by or on a system (W) when
(a) water freezes to ice at constant temperature
(b) ice melts to water at constant temperature
(c) water evaporates at constant temperature
(d) water boils at constant temperature?


Homework Equations


First Law of Thermodynamics
U = Q + W
where U is internal energy of the system, Q is the quantity supplied to the system and W is the work done on the system.
 
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  • #2
Not sure what the question is. I'm guessing, you are supposed to say whether deltaU, Q, and W is positive or negative or zero in each situation?

To answer the deltaU part, you need to remember that internal energy is a direct function of temperature.
 
  • #3
Sorry, the question was asking whether deltaU, Q, and W is positive or negative or zero in each situation?

if (a) water freezes to ice at constant temperature,
then delta W = 0 (since work done by atmospheric pressure is negligible as volume change is small), delta Q < 0 (heat energy is released when bonds are formed during freezing) and hence by equation delta U = delta Q + delta W, delta U < 0 , ie internal energy decreases. am i right?

how about the others?
 

Related to Thermodynamic Changes in Phase Transitions

1. What is internal energy?

Internal energy is the total energy that a system possesses due to the motion and interactions of its particles. It includes the kinetic and potential energies of the particles within the system.

2. How is internal energy different from heat?

Internal energy is a measure of the total energy of a system, while heat is the transfer of energy between two systems due to a temperature difference. Internal energy can change due to heat transfer, but they are not the same thing.

3. What factors affect the internal energy of a system?

The internal energy of a system can be affected by the number and type of particles in the system, the temperature, and the volume of the system. External factors such as pressure and work can also change the internal energy.

4. How is internal energy measured?

The internal energy of a system cannot be directly measured, but it can be calculated by measuring the temperature change and using the specific heat capacity of the substance. Alternatively, it can be estimated using the ideal gas law or other thermodynamic equations.

5. Can internal energy be created or destroyed?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. Therefore, the internal energy of a system cannot be created or destroyed, but it can change in form or be transferred to or from other systems.

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