Understanding Internal Energy: Exploring the Role of Volume in Thermodynamics

In summary, the conversation is about confusion regarding the use of the formula dU=CdT for computing internal energy for liquid or solid, and whether there is a change of phase. The question also asks if internal energy is always just a function of temperature and if it changes at constant temperature during a phase change. The clarification is given that internal energy also depends on volume, which is taken into account in the steam tables being used.
  • #1
Amaelle
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Good day all !
I have a confusion regarding the use of the formula dU=CdT for computing internal energy for liquid or solid
like for instance in this exercice
entropy1.png


We have an isothermal process so I thought that dU=0 so according to the first law of thermodynamics
dQ=-dW (we want to calulate the heat transfer)
but the solution was totally different, for them dU is different from 0 ! (they got the values of u1 and u2 from tables)

any hint would be highly appreciated thanks!
 

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  • #2
Is there a change of phase?
 
  • #3
thanks for your prompt reply
yes, i think we went from super heated zone to saturated liquide
 
  • #4
Amaelle said:
thanks for your prompt reply
yes, i think we went from super heated zone to saturated liquide
Is internal energy always just a function of temperature? Does internal energy change at constant temperature during a phase change?
 
  • #5
Thanks a lot I got your point now!
because we are changing phase the temperature remains constant but still heat has been removed from the internal energy
internal energy does depend only on temperature when we are in the same phase.
thanks again!
 
  • #6
Chestermiller said:
Is internal energy always just a function of temperature? Does internal energy change at constant temperature during a phase chang
Isn't internal energy depends on volume also.??
 
  • #7
Apashanka said:
Isn't internal energy depends on volume also.??
That is taken into account in the steam tables, which the OP is using.
 
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Likes Amaelle

What is internal energy for water?

Internal energy for water is the total energy contained within a sample of water, including both its kinetic and potential energy. It is a measure of the water's internal molecular activity.

How is internal energy for water calculated?

Internal energy for water can be calculated using the equation U = Q + W, where U is the internal energy, Q is the heat added to the water, and W is the work done on the water. It can also be calculated using the specific heat capacity of water and the change in temperature.

What factors affect the internal energy of water?

The internal energy of water is affected by its temperature, pressure, and the amount of heat added to or removed from the water. The type of container it is in and any chemical reactions occurring within the water can also affect its internal energy.

How does internal energy for water relate to phase changes?

During a phase change, the internal energy of water remains constant as heat is either added or removed from the water. This is because the energy is being used to break or form intermolecular bonds, rather than increasing the temperature of the water.

Why is understanding internal energy for water important?

Understanding the internal energy of water is important for various scientific and engineering applications, such as in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and chemical reactions. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of water in different environments, such as in the Earth's atmosphere and in living organisms.

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