MathLiveFirst law of thermodynamics
The change in a system's internal energy equals the heat added to the system minus the work the system does on its surroundings. It is used to track energy flows in any thermodynamic process.
\Delta U = Q - WWhat the symbols mean
| change in internal energy of the system (J) | |
| thermal energy added to the system as heat (J) | |
| work done by the system on its surroundings (J) |
About this formula
- FieldPhysics
- TopicThermodynamics
- LevelUniversity
- Also calledconservation of energy, energy conservation in thermodynamics, internal energy change, heat and work energy balance, delta U equals Q minus W, first law of thermodynamics formula
- SourceWikidata Q179380
Write it in Obsidian
MathLive is a free visual math editor for Obsidian. Run Find a formula, type “first law of thermodynamics”, and it goes into your note as editable LaTeX. You can also scan formulas from screenshots, PDFs and handwriting.