Energy, Work & the First Law Explained | Chapter 19 of University Physics
Energy, Work & the First Law Explained | Chapter 19 of University Physics Chapter 19 establishes how heat and work transfer energy into and out of a system and unifies them through the First Law of Thermodynamics. You’ll learn how to track internal energy changes, interpret p–V diagrams, and distinguish the major thermodynamic processes that govern ideal gases. Watch the full video summary here for detailed explanations and examples. Thermodynamic Systems & Processes A thermodynamic system is the specific collection of matter under study, while the surroundings encompass everything else. A thermodynamic process describes how the system’s state variables—temperature (T), pressure (p), volume (V), and internal energy (U)—change when heat or work crosses the boundary. Heat & Work Heat (Q) is energy transferred due to temperature difference: positive when entering the system, negative when leaving. Work (W) is energy transfer via macroscopic forces: positive w...