Difference between enthelpy and internal energy

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Enthalpy and internal energy are distinct concepts in thermodynamics, with internal energy (U) representing the average kinetic energy of particles within a system, while enthalpy (H) includes both internal energy and the product of pressure and volume (PV). Internal energy is primarily associated with heat energy and temperature, whereas enthalpy accounts for the total energy available for work during thermodynamic processes. Changes in enthalpy occur when heat is converted into work or vice versa. Both internal energy and enthalpy are extensive properties, meaning they scale with the amount of substance present. Understanding these differences is crucial for analyzing energy transformations in physical 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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