Internal energy present, is there conservation of energy?

In summary, when mechanical energy is converted to internal energy, energy is still conserved. The internal energy can be negative, as energy is always relative to a certain reference. However, energy is always conserved in a closed system, which is defined as a system in which energy is conserved. There may be differences in how energy is conserved in different folders, depending on the context.
  • #1
makeAwish
128
0
Hmm. This is another thing I'm unsure abt.

When some mechanical energy is converted to internal energy, can we still say that energy is conserved?
Can the internal energy be negative?


Thanks for answering my qns :)
 
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  • #2
janettaywx said:
When some mechanical energy is converted to internal energy, can we still say that energy is conserved?

You're going to need to be more specific. Yes, energy is always conserved.

janettaywx said:
Can the internal energy be negative?

Energy is always relative to a certain reference, so there's no problem with energy being negative.
 
  • #3
Energy is always conserved, except when it isn't.

Energy is always conserved in the Classical Physics folder; not always conserved in others. :uhh:
 
  • #4
Energy is always conserved in a "closed system"!


Of course, a "closed system" is defined as one in which energy is conserved!:wink:
 
  • #5
HallsofIvy said:
Energy is always conserved in a "closed system"!


Of course, a "closed system" is defined as one in which energy is conserved!:wink:

So that's the difference between the folders.

Or is [tex]\partial_\mu p^\nu [/itex] folder covariant?,

[tex]\frac{d}{df}\partial_\mu p^\nu = 0[/tex]
 
Last edited:

1. What is internal energy?

Internal energy is the total amount of energy present within a system. It includes the kinetic energy of molecules, the potential energy associated with the position of molecules, and the energy associated with the bonds between molecules.

2. How does internal energy relate to conservation of energy?

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. This means that the total internal energy of a closed system remains constant, even as it may change form.

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

The internal energy of a system is affected by temperature, pressure, and the number and types of particles present. Changes in these factors can cause a change in the internal energy of a system.

4. Is there a way to measure the internal energy of a system?

Yes, the internal energy of a system can be measured using various techniques, such as calorimetry or thermodynamic equations. These methods involve measuring changes in temperature, pressure, and other variables to calculate the internal energy of a system.

5. Can the internal energy of a system ever be completely zero?

No, according to the third law of thermodynamics, the internal energy of a system at absolute zero temperature is always greater than zero. This means that there will always be some amount of internal energy present in a system, even at very low temperatures.

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