The First Law of

Thermodynamics in Closed
Systems
The Heat Q added to the system minus the net Work W
done by the system is equal to the change in Internal
Energy of the system.
We consider the First Law of Thermodynamics applied to stationary closed
systems as a conservation of energy principle. Thus energy is transferred
between the system and the surroundings in the form of heat and work,
resulting in a change of internal energy of the system.
 =
This is the Non-Flow Energy Equation (NFEE); where:
Q is the heat added to the system
W is the work done by the system
Often considered as stationary, the changes in KE and PE in closed
systems are negligible
The change in internal energy is equal to the total change in energy of the
system
Energy is transferred to/from the surroundings through heat and work
 Internal Energy

Internal energy change can be considered as a measure of molecular

activity associated with change of phase or temperature of the system
Since specific internal energy is a property of the system, it is usually
presented in the Property Tables such as in the Steam Tables.
 Heat

heat always results from a difference in temperature between the system

and its immediate surroundings
We will not consider the mode of heat transfer, whether by conduction,
convection or radiation
By convention, positive heat is that transferred from the surroundings to the
system, resulting in an increase in internal energy of the system
 Work

we are primarily concerned with Boundary Work due to compression or

expansion of a system in a piston-cylinder device
positive work is that done by the system on the surroundings,
and negative work is that done by the surroundings on the system
 Work
Boundary work is evaluated by integrating the force F multiplied by the
incremental distance moved dx between an initial state (1) to a final state
(2).
We normally deal with a piston-cylinder device, thus the force can be
replaced by the piston area A multiplied by the pressure P, allowing us to
replace A.dx by the change in volume dV
work done is a Path Function and not a property, thus it is dependent on
the process path between the initial and final states
 Work

2 2 2
12 = = =
1 1 1
 Work
This integration can be shown by the area under the PV curve
 Work

It is sometimes convenient to evaluate the specific work done which can be represented by a P-v
diagram thus if the mass of the system is m [kg] we have finally: 12 =
2 2
1 = 1 = 12
where: W is work done (kJ)
P is pressure (kPa)
V is volume (3 )
m is mass (kg)
v is specific volume (3 /kg)
w is specific work done (kJ/kg)
 Work

work done by the system on the surroundings (expansion process) is

positive, and that done on the system by the surroundings (compression
process) is negative
work done is a Path Function and not a property, thus it is dependent on
the process path between the initial and final states
 Process Types

Adiabatic -no heat flow to or from the system during the process
Isothermal constant temperature
Isobaric constant pressure process
Isochoric or Isometric - constant volume process
 Process Constant Result

Isothermal T = , =
Isobaric P = + = +
Isometric V = , =
Adiabatic Q=0 =
 Sample problem 1
In a non-flow process, there is heat transfer loss of 1055kJ and an internal energy change of
210 kJ. Determine the work transfer and state whether the process is an expansion or
compression.
Sought: Work done, identify the process
Given: Q=-1055kJ, = 210
Solution: =
= = 210 + 1055 = 1265
ans. = 1265

( )
 Sample Problem 2
In a non-flow process carried out on 5.4kg of a substance, there was a specific
internal energy decrease of 50kJ/kg and a work transfer from a substance of
85kJ/kg. Determine the heat transfer and state whether it is gain or loss.
Sought: Q, gain or loss
Given: m=5.4kg U=-50kJ/kg W=85kJ/kg
Solution: =
50 85
= + = 5.4 + =

the substance gained heat since the answer is positive
 Sample Problem 3
During the working stroke of an engine, the heat transferred out of the system
was 150kJ/kg of the working substance. If the work done by the engine is
250kJ/kg, determine the change in internal energy.
Sought:
Given: Q=-150kJ/kg W=250kJ/kg
150 250
Solution: = =


ans. =

 Sample Problem 4
Steam enters a cylinder fitted with a piston at a pressure of 20MN/2 and a temperature of 500deg
C. The steam expands to a pressure of 200kN/2 and a temperature of 200deg C. During the
expansion there is a net heat loss from the steam through the walls of the cylinder and piston of
120kJ/kg. Determine the displacement work done by one kg of steam during this expansion.
Sought: Work
Given: Q=-120kJ/kg
From saturated steam table: u @ 20MPa and 500deg C = 2942.9kJ/kg
u @ 0.2MPa and 200deg C = 2654.4 kJ/kg
Solution: = =
120 2654.42942.9
= = 1

ans. W=168.5kJ
 Seatwork (Sept 26)

A cylinder with a piston contains 0.2 kg of water at 100 C

and atmospheric pressure. What is the change in internal
energy of the water when it is converted to steam at 100
C at a constant pressure? The density of steam is s=0.6
kg/m3. The Latent heat of vaporization of water is
Lv=2.26x10^6 J/kg.