U=q+w

$\Delta U=q+w$

Porus_Karwa_2E
Posts: 72
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

U=q+w

What exactly is delta U and what does the equation for it mean?

Dhwani Krishnan 1G
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:17 am

Re: U=q+w

Delta U is the change in internal energy of a system. The equation states that Delta U is equal to the heat lost/gained (q) plus the work done on or by the system (w). This is because the only way for a system to lose internal energy is through heat or work.

Sean Reyes 1J
Posts: 67
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

Re: U=q+w

Delta U is basically the change of the internal energy of the system. Energy can be transferred into the system through the transfer of heat (which is represented through q) or with work being done onto the system (which is represented through w)
Hope this helps!!

Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:27 am

Re: U=q+w

Delta U insinuates you will be calculating the change in internal energy. Q in this equation represents the gained or lost heat and W represents the work being done on the system or work being done by.

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