Work, heat and the first law of thermodynamics

Lesson -2
The first law of thermodynamics states that “The increase in internal energy of a
system is equal to the sum of the energy entering the system through heating,
and the work done on the system.”
U= Q+ W
The amount of work done by
or on the system

Energy to/out of the system

Consider the following figure Movable piston

Cylinder x

W= (F x)
=F x
NOTE:-
F is almost constant because x is very small
 Pressure P is almost constant
W = PA x
W=P V
Therefore 1st Law of thermodynamic can be rewritten.

U= Q+P V

Note: -
 Positive sign represents work done on the system(Compressing)
 Negative sign represents work done by the system (expanding)

Isothermal process: - A process which involves no change in the temperature of the

system. T =0
Adiabatic process: - A process that involves no energy transfer into or out of a
system as a result of heating. Q =0
Case-1:-
If no work is done on the system or by the system, W=0 i.e. V =0
U= Q
U = Q =mc T
Case-2:-
If the process is adiabatic (∆Q =0)
U=P V
The first law of thermodynamics for different process

1. Isobaric process (Pressure = constant)

U= Q+P V
2. Isochoric process (Volume= constant)
U= Q
(No work done on the system or by the system)
3. Isothermal process (Temperature = constant, i.e. U = 0)
0= Q+P V
4. Adiabatic process ( Q=0)
U=P V