Equations
First law of thermodynamics
Thermodynamics · id first_law
\Delta U = Q - W
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit | Meaning | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
dU | change in internal energy | J | Increase in internal energy | 0 to 1e+10 |
Q | heat | J | Heat added to the system | 0 to 1e+10 |
W | work | J | Work done by the system | 0 to 1e+10 |
Assumptions
- Closed system
Valid when
- No extra conditions.
Found by
Questions with these words retrieve this equation: first law, internal energy, heat, work, gas, piston, energy conservation.
Source
OpenStax University Physics Volume 2, Chapter 3 (reference; entry written by the project). License: MIT. Entry confidence: 0.99.