study guides for every class

that actually explain what's on your next test

Energy conservation

from class:

College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism

Definition

Energy conservation is the principle stating that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant. It implies that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

congrats on reading the definition of energy conservation. now let's actually learn it.

ok, let's learn stuff

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The First Law of Thermodynamics is a statement of energy conservation.
  2. In thermodynamic processes, internal energy change is equal to heat added to the system minus work done by the system: $\Delta U = Q - W$.
  3. Isolated systems have constant total energy, while closed systems exchange only energy (not matter) with surroundings.
  4. In cyclic processes, the net change in internal energy over one complete cycle is zero.
  5. The concept of enthalpy ($H = U + PV$) incorporates both internal energy and work done by pressure-volume changes in a system.

Review Questions

  • What does the First Law of Thermodynamics state about energy?
  • In a thermodynamic process, how is the change in internal energy calculated?
  • How does an isolated system differ from a closed system in terms of energy and matter exchange?

"Energy conservation" also found in:

Subjects (65)

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.