Difference between energy and enthelpy

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The discussion revolves around the concepts of energy and enthalpy, particularly their definitions and applications in thermodynamics. Participants are exploring the distinctions between these two forms of energy and the implications of their changes in various systems.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the definitions of energy and enthalpy, with some discussing the relationship between internal energy and external pressure. Questions about the effects of heat addition and removal on system behavior are also raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of enthalpy and energy being explored. Some participants have provided insights into the definitions and relationships between these concepts, but there is no explicit consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants are questioning the clarity of terms such as "thermal energy" and the assumptions regarding external pressures and their effects on system energy. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in defining these concepts accurately.

vmc303
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Could someone give me a concise explanation of the difference between the two? I'm struggling to understand which concept to apply in a given situation, and what they actually signify.
 
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vmc303 said:
Could someone give me a concise explanation of the difference between the two? I'm struggling to understand which concept to apply in a given situation, and what they actually signify.
Enthalpy describes a state of energy of a gas - essentially the heat energy and pressure energy content of a gas: H = U + PV. A change in enthalpy denotes a change in energy content of the gas, ie. some combination of change in temperature, pressure and/or volume of the gas.

AM
 
Difference between Enthalpy and Internal energy:

When we add heat (energy) to a system the system’s energy will be increased. We say this energy is stored within the system. Similarly, when we remove some heat from the system, its energy will reduce.
Do we know the total effect within the system after heat removal? It will slightly shrinks its volume for solid. The shrinking will be prominent for the gas system. Why do the system shrink?
The answer is the atmospheric external pressure. External surrounding medium surrounds every object in the universe. It also exerts pressure on the system. Each object has to create the room (space) for its own occupancy by displacing the surrounding medium. As if the object is immersed in the spring system. More it displaces the spring, more it can occupy the space. This displaced medium is viewed as the compression by the system. The energy is imparted by the system similar to a spring compression; energy is stored within medium. When the system collapses, the energy is regained back into the system. A section of scientists feels to consider this displaced medium external energy (Pressure x Volume) for the counting of system's energy.
The energy stored in the system is termed as the “internal” energy to distinguish from the total energy. The total energy is the internal energy plus the external energy associated for its occupancy against the surrounding medium. While the internal energy is the net stored energy within the system, the enthalpy is system and surrounding energy associated for its existence. Enthalpy is actually including the work energy. Enthalpy is “Entire thermal and pressure occupancy energy”.
 
Soumen2010 said:
Difference between Enthalpy and Internal energy:

Enthalpy is “Entire thermal and pressure occupancy energy”.

This seems almost correct, except that thermal energy is not clearly defined.

Enthalpy is a form of energy, and specifically the sum of 'internal energy'(U) and pressure energy (energy of displacement) (pV), where p is the external pressure.

This is elaborated in '2010-mannaerts-throttle' which can be found at
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=338573
 

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