Determining Internal Energy

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Emma Randolph 1J
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Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:29 am

Determining Internal Energy

Postby Emma Randolph 1J » Thu Jan 31, 2019 8:36 pm

When determining the internal energy accompanying a reaction, why does the second step involve using the equation q=-Ccal*(change in temp) ? I'm just confused as to why there's a negative sign.
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Chem_Mod
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Re: Determining Internal Energy

Postby Chem_Mod » Thu Jan 31, 2019 8:45 pm

Negative indicates the heat is released
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Riya Shah 4H
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Joined: Wed May 02, 2018 3:00 am

Re: Determining Internal Energy

Postby Riya Shah 4H » Fri Feb 01, 2019 3:34 pm

The negative sign indicates that work is being done by the system, i.e. it is releasing energy.
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chrisavalos-2L
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:18 am

Re: Determining Internal Energy

Postby chrisavalos-2L » Sat Feb 02, 2019 4:51 pm

There is a negative sign because this indicates that the system in question is performing work, therefore it is releasing energy; hence the negative sign.
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