Difference between enthelpy and internal energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between enthalpy and internal energy in thermodynamics. Internal energy (U) represents the average kinetic energy of particles within a system and is fundamentally heat energy. Enthalpy (H) is defined as H = U + PV, where PV accounts for the work energy associated with pressure and volume. Changes in enthalpy occur during thermodynamic processes that involve heat and work conversions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic concepts such as kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE).
  • Familiarity with the definitions and applications of internal energy (U) and enthalpy (H).
  • Basic knowledge of pressure (P) and volume (V) in thermodynamic systems.
  • Awareness of extensive and intensive properties in thermodynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between internal energy and temperature in thermodynamic systems.
  • Explore the implications of the first law of thermodynamics on internal energy and enthalpy.
  • Learn about the applications of enthalpy in chemical reactions and phase changes.
  • Investigate the role of enthalpy in calculating work done during thermodynamic processes.
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Students and professionals in physics, chemistry, and engineering, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics and energy systems.

Taturana
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What's the difference between enthalpy and internal energy?

Internal energy is the average of the kinetic energy (linear and angular) of the particles of the body (or system), right?

Could someone explain me this clearly?

Thank you
 
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Taturana said:
What's the difference between enthalpy and internal energy?
The difference is P V.
 
Taturana said:
What's the difference between enthalpy and internal energy?

Internal energy is the average of the kinetic energy (linear and angular) of the particles of the body (or system), right?

Could someone explain me this clearly?

Thank you

That's a good question. First, consider the total energy E of a body or system:

E = KE + PE + U

Where KE is kinetic energy, PE potential energy, and U the 'internal energy'. Internal energy is energy that cannot be accounted for by specifying position, velocity, or mass. It's not a mechanical form of energy, it's (essentially) heat energy. It's related to temperature as well.

Enthalpy H = U + PV.

If U is the heat energy, PV is the 'work' energy. Enthalpy is also the total amount of energy available in a system or body, like E, but written using thermodynamic variables instead of mechanical variables. Changes in enthalpy occur during a thermodynamic process involving the conversion of heat into work (or vice-versa).
 
Andy Resnick said:
That's a good question. First, consider the total energy E of a body or system:

E = KE + PE + U

Where KE is kinetic energy, PE potential energy, and U the 'internal energy'. Internal energy is energy that cannot be accounted for by specifying position, velocity, or mass. It's not a mechanical form of energy, it's (essentially) heat energy. It's related to temperature as well.

Enthalpy H = U + PV.

If U is the heat energy, PV is the 'work' energy. Enthalpy is also the total amount of energy available in a system or body, like E, but written using thermodynamic variables instead of mechanical variables. Changes in enthalpy occur during a thermodynamic process involving the conversion of heat into work (or vice-versa).

Thank you, now it's very clear.
 
internal energy is energy that cannot be accounted for by specifying position, velocity, or mass.

I think this is a very good quote, if you exclude the mass.

Andy, are you sure you want to include mass, isn't internal energy an extensive property, ie twice the mass means twice the internal energy, all other things being equal?
 
Studiot said:
I think this is a very good quote, if you exclude the mass.

Andy, are you sure you want to include mass, isn't internal energy an extensive property, ie twice the mass means twice the internal energy, all other things being equal?

'mass' goes to the kinetic (e.g. 1/2 mv^2) and potential (e.g. mgh) energies. But yes, internal energy is an extensive property (as is enthalpy).
 
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