Heat transfer Q and work done W are always energy in transit, whereas internal energy E is energy
stored in a system. Give an example of each type of energy, and state specifically how it is either in
transit or resides in a system.
I thought internal energy was usually called U
Q is like heat flowing into a pot from the flame beneath
W is like a piston moving and pushing a connecting rod
U is like the water in the pot turning from cold to hot, storing energy provided by the flame beneath
Sure, I'd be happy to explain! Let's start with heat transfer, represented by Q. Picture this: you've just made a delicious cup of coffee, but it's too hot to drink right away. As you wait for it to cool down, heat energy is transferred from the coffee (system) to the surrounding air (transit) until they reach thermal equilibrium. So, in this case, the heat transfer is in transit from the coffee to the environment.
Now, let's move on to work done, which is denoted by W. Imagine you're trying to inflate a stubborn balloon. As you blow air into it, you're doing work on the system, transferring energy from you to the balloon. So, in this example, work is being done on the balloon to increase its internal energy.
Lastly, we have internal energy, represented by E. Think of a boiling pot of water. The internal energy of the water is the energy stored within the system itself. As heat is supplied to the pot, the water molecules gain kinetic energy, leading to an increase in the water's internal energy.
Remember, these examples help illustrate the different types of energy and how they either move between systems or remain stored within them.
Heat transfer (Q) is a form of energy in transit that is transferred between two objects or systems due to a temperature difference. An example of heat transfer would be placing a metal spoon in a hot bowl of soup. The heat from the soup is transferred to the spoon, causing it to heat up.
Work done (W) is also a form of energy in transit, but it is the transfer of energy through mechanical means. An example of work done would be lifting a box from the ground to a shelf. The energy used to lift the box is transferred from your muscles to the box as you perform the work.
Internal energy (E) is the energy stored within a system and is associated with the motion and configuration of the particles within that system. An example of internal energy would be a gas inside a cylinder. The internal energy would depend on the temperature, pressure, and volume of the gas, which are determined by the behavior of the gas molecules within the system.
Sure! I can give you an example of each type of energy and explain how it either stays within a system or is in transit.
1. Heat transfer (Q): Heat transfer is the energy that is transferred between two objects or systems due to a temperature difference. An example of heat transfer in transit is when you place a metal spoon in a cup of hot tea. The heat from the tea is transferred to the spoon, making the spoon hotter. The heat is in transit between the tea and the spoon.
2. Work done (W): Work is a transfer of energy that occurs when an external force acts upon an object, causing it to be displaced. One example of work being done is pushing a box across the floor. When you apply a force and the box moves, you are doing work on the box by transferring energy to it.
3. Internal energy (E): Internal energy refers to the energy that is stored within a system. It includes the kinetic and potential energy of the particles within the system. An example of internal energy residing within a system is a compressed spring. When a spring is compressed, the potential energy of the spring is stored within its structure.
So, in summary:
- Heat transfer (Q) is energy in transit, such as the heat transfer from one object to another.
- Work done (W) is energy transferred through an external force causing displacement, like pushing a box.
- Internal energy (E) is energy stored within a system, like the potential energy stored in a compressed spring.