Enthalpy is a thermodynamic property that represents the total heat content of a system, incorporating both internal energy and the energy required to displace its environment at constant pressure. It differs from heat in that heat is a form of energy transfer, while enthalpy encompasses the energy within the system itself. The equation for enthalpy, ΔH = ΔU + PΔV, illustrates that the change in enthalpy (ΔH) includes the change in internal energy (ΔU) plus the work done by the system during volume change (PΔV), where P is pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. Understanding the role of PV in this context is crucial, as it accounts for the energy associated with the system's expansion or compression. Engaging with educational resources like textbooks or reliable online platforms can enhance comprehension of these concepts.
