Physics › Section J · Thermodynamics › Topic J.1
The first law of thermodynamics
Energy can enter or leave a system in only two ways: as heat or as work. The first law of thermodynamics is energy conservation written for exactly that situation, and it is the starting point for every engine, refrigerator and living body in this section.
In this topic
- Two routes for energy
- Internal energy
- Heat and work are energy in transit
- The first law
- Another sign convention
- Worked example: two steps, one total
- Same change, different paths
- Worked example: Joule's paddle wheel
- Worked example: the body as a system
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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