First law of Thermodynamics

There are certain things about the universe that are universal and thus, we can never vary them. We all know that when we have a cup of coffee or tea, it has two liquid phases: liquid and solid. When you heat up the coffee or leave it in a pot on the stove to boil, its temperature increases until it is at its boiling point. Once this happens, be sure to take your cup out of the water before it reaches boiling point. There is always a specific temperature at which something thermodynamic will happen i.e., go from one state to another. Let us study more about this and see what we look like when trying to understand Thermodynamics.

What is First Law of Thermodynamics:

The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can be neither created nor destroyed, only converted from one form to another. This law explains how and why things happen the way they do. It gives us an answer to the question “What is going on?” in thermodynamics. When we study a subject it is important to understand what it actually means and how it works before discussing application of this law.

Why you should learn about First Law of Thermodynamics:

The first law of thermodynamics helps us understand our universe better. Learn this first and then you will be able to see how our world functions in great detail. Let us learn about this law first and then move on to how it is applied in everyday life.

Thermodynamic System:

A thermodynamic system is an arrangement of two or more bodies, which has certain interdependent aspects. It comprises certain properties such as temperature, pressures, volumes and pressures etc. The way the system interacts with other parts is also a part of thermodynamics. So when studying thermodynamics it is important that we understand the system to be studied; otherwise study will not be meaningful.

Formula of First Law of Thermodynamics:

∆U = Q − W, where

∆U= change in internal energy

Q= heat added

W=  work done by the system

Significance of First Law of Thermodynamics:

The first law of thermodynamics explains the natural order of things and states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Since everything in our universe is made up of this energy, it was not surprising that it was also the first law to be discovered. It is important for us to understand our world better and it will surely help us in understanding how things work.

Applications of First Law of Thermodynamics:

1) Air Conditioner:

Air conditioners are used to provide cool air in houses, offices etc. Studies have been made to find out the energy released from the heat of the environment by a cooling system.

2) Machines:

Thermodynamic machines are used to produce work by converting heat into useful forms of energy such as electricity, kinetic energy etc. A car engine is a common example of this type of machine.

3) Steam Engines: Steam engines convert heat in the form of steam into work by using a turbine. They are used in trains, ships and also as generators

4) Solar Panel: solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells and semiconductors.

5) Cells: Cells are used to store energy such as chemical compounds. For example, Lipid cells are used to store fats and removing them from the body is called the lipoaspiration process.

6) Refrigerator: Fridge is a common example of cold storage which does not use heat in the form of water or air but uses heat in the form of ice or coolant for cooling.

Conclusion:

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be converted from one form to another. In simple terms, it states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but it can only change form. The energy used in the above examples was heat from the environment and this heat is converted into useful forms such as electricity or kinetic energy and so on.