From the equation u = q + w

  • Thread starter jackcie
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In summary, when a liquid vaporises to a gas, the energy is lost according to the first law of thermodynamics. However, when a gas turns to a liquid, the heat flow can either be added to the system or lost, depending on the type of gas and the process of condensation. This is due to the work done by the gas on the surroundings and the change in internal energy of the gas.
  • #1
jackcie
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when a liquid vaporises to a gas,
q = m x lv

this energy is lost?

also, what does this mean for when a gas turns to a liquid is q added to the system, or lost (added i presume??)
cheers
 
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  • #2
jackcie said:
when a liquid vaporises to a gas,
q = m x lv

this energy is lost?
The first law of thermodynamics says that it cannot be lost: [itex]\Delta Q = \Delta U + W[/itex]. The heat flow of vaporization has to be equal to the work done by the gas plus the change in internal energy of the gas.

When water, for example, vaporizes, it expands doing work on the surrounding atmosphere. Also internal energy increases. Although the temperature of the water does not change in vaporization, the bonds between water molecules are broken in the vaporization, thereby increasing the potential energy of the gas.
also, what does this mean for when a gas turns to a liquid is q added to the system, or lost (added i presume??)
cheers
It depends on the gas. When water vapor condenses heat flows out of the gas with the loss of molecular potential energy and work is done on the gas by the surroundings as the volume decreases.

AM
 
  • #3
jackcie said:
when a liquid vaporises to a gas,
q = m x lv

this energy is lost?

also, what does this mean for when a gas turns to a liquid is q added to the system, or lost (added i presume??)
cheers

(quoting the OP)
 

1. What is the meaning of the variables in the equation u = q + w?

The variable u represents the internal energy of a system, q represents the heat added to the system, and w represents the work done by the system.

2. How is this equation related to the first law of thermodynamics?

The equation u = q + w is a mathematical representation of the first law of thermodynamics, which states that the change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system.

3. Is this equation always true for all systems?

No, this equation is only applicable to closed systems where there is no transfer of matter. For open systems, the equation must be modified to include the change in mass of the system.

4. Can this equation be rearranged to solve for q or w?

Yes, this equation can be rearranged to solve for either q or w by subtracting one variable from both sides and then dividing by the remaining variable. For example, q = u - w or w = u - q.

5. How is this equation used in real-world applications?

This equation is used in various fields, including thermodynamics, chemistry, and physics, to calculate the internal energy of a system and to determine the amount of heat and work involved in a process. It is also used in engineering applications, such as in the design of heat engines and refrigeration systems.

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