Work in Heat Engines and Refrigerators: Positive or Negative?

Thread starter lowg
Start date Oct 10, 2009
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Ap Ap physics Physics Thermodynamics

In summary, AP Physics B thermodynamics is a branch of physics that studies the relationship between heat, temperature, energy, and work. The three laws of thermodynamics state that energy is conserved, entropy always increases, and absolute zero cannot be reached. Heat is a form of energy transferred due to a temperature difference, while temperature measures particle motion. An isothermal process maintains constant temperature, while an adiabatic process has no heat exchange. Thermodynamics has many practical applications, such as in engine and system design, weather and climate patterns, and material behavior in industries.

Oct 10, 2009

lowg

In a heat engine is the net work negative or positive?
Also, What about a refrigerator?

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Oct 11, 2009

Mapes

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Gold Member

Hi lowg, welcome to PF. What are your thoughts on the matter? We don't do people's work for them, but you'll likely get helpful comments if you try to answer the questions yourself and give your reasoning.

Oct 13, 2009

lowg

Okay, thanks for the advice.

Related to Work in Heat Engines and Refrigerators: Positive or Negative?

1. What is AP Physics B thermodynamics?

AP Physics B thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of heat, temperature, and their relation to energy and work. It focuses on understanding the behavior of matter and energy in different states and how they interact with each other.

2. What are the laws of thermodynamics?

The three laws of thermodynamics are:
1. The law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
2. The law of entropy, which states that in any natural process, the total entropy of a system and its surroundings will always increase.
3. The law of absolute zero, which states that it is impossible to reach a temperature of absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius) through any finite process.

3. How is heat different from temperature?

Heat is a form of energy that is transferred from one object or system to another due to a difference in temperature. Temperature, on the other hand, is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

4. What is the difference between an isothermal and adiabatic process?

An isothermal process is one in which the temperature of a system remains constant, while an adiabatic process is one in which there is no heat exchange between the system and its surroundings. In an adiabatic process, the temperature of the system can change due to work being done on or by the system.

5. How is thermodynamics applied in real life?

Thermodynamics has many practical applications in everyday life, such as in the design of engines, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and power plants. It also plays a crucial role in understanding weather and climate patterns, as well as the behavior of materials in various industries.