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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Physics » First law of thermodynamics for a closed system

First law of thermodynamics for a closed system

Learn about the first law of thermodynamics for a closed system and its applications in daily life.

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The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. In other words, the total amount of energy for a closed system — such as Earth — remains constant. The first law of thermodynamics applies to all physical and chemical processes but not to nuclear operations. This is one of the most important laws in physics because it helps us understand how the Universe works!

Many consider the first law of thermodynamics as a simple statement, but it is quite complex. For example, many people have difficulty understanding the concept of “a closed system.” A closed system implies no external forces acting on or within the system, and there is no net mass transfer between the system and its surroundings. It’s not just about what goes in or out, but also about where things go when they leave.

The first law of thermodynamics is a statement of the principle of conservation of energy. It states that the total energy, kinetic plus potential, in an isolated system, is constant. This means that the total energy inside, or in this case, outside of a closed system, will remain the same, even if some forms change to other forms. We’ll look at how heat enters and leaves a closed system through a few examples.

Closed system

A closed system is a system that has no interactions with its surroundings. A closed system implies no external forces acting on or within the system, and there is no net mass transfer between the system and its surroundings.

For a process to be considered “closed,” it must also be a steady state. This means that the concentrations of all reactants and products do not change with time. In addition, if any reactions occur in the reaction vessel, they must have reached equilibrium with one another before any physical measurements can be taken.

What happens when you add heat to a closed system?

The first law of thermodynamics states that the total energy of a closed system remains constant regardless of how it is affected by work or other processes. In other words, when you add heat to a closed system, the total energy will stay the same. But, when you remove heat from a closed system, the total energy will decrease until it reaches zero. 

For example, if you have water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and you add heat to it (raise its temperature), then the total energy does not change. If you take away heat from it (lower its temperature), then the total energy decreases until it reaches zero, or, in this case, 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

What happens when you work on a closed system?

The first law of thermodynamics says that if you do work on a closed system, the system’s total energy will increase.

When we talk about “work” in physics, we’re referring to a force acting on an object over a distance. For example, you might exert a force on an object and move it across some distance to lift it or move it from one place to another. When you do this, the system’s total energy increases.

Use of First law of thermodynamics in my everyday life

The first law of thermodynamics for a closed system is only relevant to closed systems. However, it can help you understand how energy is conserved and how temperature differences are created between different objects in the world.

To apply the first law of thermodynamics for a closed system in your everyday life, let’s look at some examples. One example is that if you are in a room, the air inside will increase pressure and density due to gravity. 

Another example is that when you fill a container with water, the water pressure will increase once you close the lid. The First Law of Thermodynamics for a Closed System can also be applied to heat transfer and thermodynamics!

Second law of thermodynamics for a closed system

The second law of thermodynamics for a closed system states that the entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium. Entropy is often understood as disorder or chaos. 

Conclusion

A closed system is a system that does not exchange energy or matter with its surroundings. A closed system will continue to change until it reaches equilibrium, at which point the energy is evenly distributed.

In a closed system, when you add heat to a system, the gas molecules will move faster and at a more considerable distance. When working on a closed system, the gas molecules will move faster and at a more considerable distance. 

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total disorder always increases in a closed system. You can use this law in your everyday life by being careful about what you put into your system: make sure you have good nutrition and plenty of exercise!

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

What is a closed system?

Ans : A closed system is a system that has no interactions with its surroundings.

What is the first law of thermodynamics?

Ans : The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed....Read full

What happens when you add heat to a closed system?

Ans : The total energy remains the same.

 

What do you mean by conduction?

Ans : Conduction is the transfer of force or energy caused by energetic particles to the adjacent l...Read full

What is convection?

Ans : Convection is the mode of heat transfer between a solid surface and the adjacent gas or liqui...Read full

Ans : A closed system is a system that has no interactions with its surroundings.

Ans : The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed.

 

Ans : The total energy remains the same.

 

Ans : Conduction is the transfer of force or energy caused by energetic particles to the adjacent less energetic particles as a result of interaction with both the particles. In a solid matter, conduction will be caused because of the combination of vibrations of the particles in a lattice and energy transported by free particles. 

 

Ans : Convection is the mode of heat transfer between a solid surface and the adjacent gas or liquid that is in motion. It is the combined effect of affection and conduction. 

Convection is also known as forced if the fluid present is forced in motion with the help of a pump. It is also called natural or free if the fluid present is in motion because of the buoyancy force.

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