Chapter 2, Problem 2.26E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Suppose a change in a gaseous system is adiabatic and isothermal. What do you think the change in internal energy would be for such a change?

Concept introduction:

The work is performed on an object when an object moves a certain distance s due to the force F. Mathematically, it is indicated by the dot product of the force vector F and the distance vector s. The mathematical equation is given below,

Work = $\text{F}\text{.s = }\left|\text{F}\right|\left|\text{s}\right|\cos \theta$

Where $\theta$ is the angle between the vectors F and s. The unit of work is joules. Work is a way to transfer the energy. The energy is defined as the ability to do work and so energy and work are described using the same unit in joules.

The specific heat is an intensive property. It is a proportionality constant represent by letter “c”. Materials with low specific heat, for example the metals requires less heat for relatively large change in the temperature. The specific heat is given by

q = mc∆T

Internal energy is the total energy of the system. For an isolated system the total energy of the system remains constant. Moreover the total energy of a system changes the energy change goes into either work, heat.