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Absolute Enthalpy of a System (H)

Definition

The absolute enthalpy (H) refers to the total amount of energy in a system at constant pressure.

Analogy

Consider H as your bank account balance. It represents all the money (energy) you have at any given moment, regardless if it's cash, savings, or investments.

Related terms

Internal Energy (U): This term refers to the total kinetic and potential energy contained within a system - think about this as your cash on hand.

Pressure-Volume Work (PV work): This term describes work done by or against pressure forces during volume changes - akin to investing money where there are risks but also potential gains.

Thermodynamic System: A thermodynamic system includes everything within defined boundaries where we study energy transformations - just like considering all your financial assets together forms your financial system.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.