Enthalpy is defined as the total energy of a system, combining internal energy and the energy associated with pressure and volume (H = U + PV). It reflects the heat energy and pressure energy content of a gas, indicating how changes in temperature, pressure, or volume affect the system's energy. When heat is added or removed from a system, it alters the internal energy, which is the energy stored within the system, while enthalpy accounts for both internal energy and the work done against external pressure. The distinction lies in that internal energy is the net stored energy, whereas enthalpy encompasses the total energy related to the system's existence in its environment. Understanding these concepts is crucial for applying the correct principles in thermodynamic situations.