Internal energy enthelpy problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between internal energy (U), kinetic energy (KE), potential energy (PE), and enthalpy (H) in the context of the first law of thermodynamics. It is noted that kinetic and potential energy can be included in the equation, but are often neglected due to their small values. The correct equation should use the change in energy (ΔE) rather than internal energy, and enthalpy is only used when flow work is involved. The conversation also touches on the difference between open and closed systems in thermodynamics.
  • #1
aeroguy
3
0
hello happy new year

i'm a little confused here after i saw this

U= KE + PE + H(enthalpy)----------------------1

while it is known that
H=U+PV------------------2

i'm sure that eqn 2 is true but do you think with m that 1 is not true ??


the problem is that my instructor use the eqn 1 in 1st law

Q-W= delta(KE +PE+H)
?!
thanks
 
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  • #2
Hi aeroguy. Your instructor is correct. Kinetic and potential energy can be added to the first law. Often these are neglected because they're small, but when the fluid has a very high velocity, kinetic energy can be significant and shouldn't be neglected.
 
  • #3
Though it is correct, as Q_Goest said, I think it is a poor choice of symbols. It would be better written using something like E for energy:

[tex]\Delta E = Q - W = \Delta KE + \Delta PE + \Delta U[/tex]

for a closed system
 
  • #4
hey guys
thanks
i guess you misunderstand me

i ask about the U:
U =delta KE + delta PE + ENTHALPY

my problem is it true that
U= (KE+PE)+ ENTHALPY <===========
WHILE
ENTHALPY=U+pv

?
thanks
 
  • #5
Hi aero... you're right. I misunderstood you. Kinetic and potential energy are not part of the overall internal energy, they are in addition to it.

Take a look at this web page:
http://web.mit.edu/16.unified/www/FALL/thermodynamics/chapter_6.htm

Scroll down just a little (about 10% of the way down) to paragraph I.A.3. There's a blue circle with a question mark (?). Just above where that question mark is, they show the expanded relationship for the first law which includes kinetic, potential and also chemical energy. Kinetic and potential energy are not part of internal energy, they are in addition to it.

Note that Yeti also shows the correct relationship above.

The OP, equation 1 is incorrect:
U= KE + PE + H(enthalpy)----------------------1
 
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  • #6
No, I understood your question which is why I pointed out that the correct equation should use the change in energy, not internal energy. My point about symbols is that you could define U to mean anything you want, but you need to be consistent; your example equations are not consistent. Additionally, you're using enthalpy in your equation which is only used when flow work is involved (i.e. a control volume with mass flowing past its boundaries) which for a given control volume with inlets (i) and exits (e) is, in general form:

[tex]\frac{dE}{dt}= \dot{Q}-\dot{W}+

\sum_{i}{\dot{m_{i}}\left(\ h_{i}+\frac{vel_{i}^{2}}{2}+g\:z_{i}\right)}}-\sum_{e}{\dot{m_{e}}\left(\ h_{e}+\frac{vel_{e}^{2}}{2}+g\:z_{e}\right)}}[/tex]

You can see the enthalpy, KE, and PE terms in each stream in the equation. The equation I gave in my last post was for a closed system.
 
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  • #7
Hi Yeti. Thanks for that, it's an excellent post, and very nicely explained. Just a thought and a nitpick. I think it would help to also explain what you mean by open and closed system. I don't disagree with you but I think many students have a problem distinguishing this. Also, you need to add a negative sign before the second summation symbol. If I knew Latex, I'd write it out, but I don't. :blushing:
 
  • #8
Of course I would leave out an important math operation...

As far as an open versus a closed system in thermodynamics (if anyone is interested). The simplest way to think of it is a closed system will allow heat and work to pass through the boundary, but not mass flow. An open system will allow all - work, heat, and mass - to pass through, but the boundary, called a control volume, must be more carefully chosen with the needed calculations in mind. An example of a closed system could be a piston and sealed cylinder - note that the piston represents a moving boundary, which is allowed. An open system example would be a water heater with incoming cold water, exiting hot water, and added heat.
 

1. What is internal energy?

Internal energy, also known as thermal energy, is the total energy stored in a substance due to the motion and position of its molecules.

2. What is enthalpy?

Enthalpy is a measure of the total energy of a thermodynamic system, including both its internal energy and the energy required to overcome any external pressure.

3. What is the relationship between internal energy and enthalpy?

Internal energy and enthalpy are closely related, as enthalpy is defined as the sum of a system's internal energy and the product of its pressure and volume. In other words, enthalpy is the internal energy plus the energy required to push against the atmosphere.

4. What is the internal energy enthalpy problem?

The internal energy enthalpy problem is a theoretical issue in thermodynamics, which questions whether the internal energy and enthalpy of a substance can be measured independently. Some argue that they are both dependent on each other and therefore cannot be measured separately.

5. How is the internal energy enthalpy problem resolved?

The internal energy enthalpy problem is resolved by recognizing that, while internal energy and enthalpy are dependent on each other, they can still be measured independently as long as the pressure and volume of the system are known. This is because enthalpy is defined as a function of internal energy, pressure, and volume, and can be calculated using the appropriate equations.

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