MCAT physics question on internal energy

In summary, there is a need to be careful about the preposition and the direction of energy transfer when considering work done on a system by another system. The first law of thermodynamics can appear as ΔU=Q+W or ΔU=Q-W, depending on the definition of work used in the textbook. In this case, W stands for work done on the gas in the equation U= Q+W, as work done on the gas increases its internal energy.
  • #1
Nick tringali
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Homework Statement
I picked choice A but the Answer is choice B. The book literally states that when work is done on the system work is negative. I get that when it’s Adiabatic the equation simplifies to U=-W making it U=-(-W). Is this like a trick question? Why would the book tell me that when work is done on the system work is negative then also ask a question and state it’s actually positive. Hope this question makes sense.
Relevant Equations
Delta U= Q-W
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  • #2
Hi @Nick tringali.

You have to be very careful when thinking about the direction of energy-transfer when work is done (on something by something else).

Your textbook link says "... W is the work done by the system" [my underlining].
But the question is about "the work done on the gas" [my underlining; and of course 'the gas' is 'the system' here].
 
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  • #3
Yes, one needs to be careful about the preposition and be careful about who does the work and on whom work is done. It doesn't help that the first law appears as ##\Delta U=Q+W## in some textbooks and as ##\Delta U=Q-W## in others. Both are correct depending on the definition of ##W## in the textbook. As usual, ##\Delta U## is the change in internal energy and ##Q## is the heat that enters the gas.

To Nick tringali: Can you tell in which equation ##W## stands for "work done on the gas" and why? If so, then you understand what is going on here.
 
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  • #4
kuruman said:
Yes, one needs to be careful about the preposition and be careful about who does the work and on whom work is done. It doesn't help that the first law appears as ##\Delta U=Q+W## in some textbooks and as ##\Delta U=Q-W## in others. Both are correct depending on the definition of ##W## in the textbook. As usual, ##\Delta## is the change in internal energy and ##Q## is the heat that enters the gas.

To Nick tringali: Can you tell in which equation ##W## stands for "work done on the gas" and why? If so, then you understand what is going on here.
I would say that U= Q+W equation is where W stands for work done on the gas. When work is done on the gas it increases the internal energy so +W being work done on the gas would make sense . Right?
 

1. What is internal energy in the context of MCAT physics?

Internal energy, also known as thermal energy, is the total energy of a system that is associated with the random movement of its particles. It includes the kinetic energy of the particles as well as their potential energy due to their positions and interactions with each other.

2. How is internal energy related to temperature?

Internal energy and temperature are directly proportional. As the temperature of a system increases, the average kinetic energy of its particles also increases, resulting in an increase in internal energy.

3. How is internal energy different from heat and work?

Internal energy is a measure of the total energy of a system, while heat and work are forms of energy transfer. Heat is the transfer of energy due to a temperature difference, while work is the transfer of energy due to a force acting over a distance.

4. How is internal energy conserved in a closed system?

In a closed system, where no energy is exchanged with the surroundings, the total internal energy remains constant. This is known as the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

5. How is internal energy used in thermodynamics?

Internal energy is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics, which is the study of energy and its transformations. It is used to understand and analyze the behavior of systems, such as gases and liquids, and to calculate quantities such as work, heat, and changes in temperature.

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