First Law of Thermodynamics
PHYS 220 · Module 2
This module treats thermodynamics as energy accounting. Students learn internal energy, heat, work, calorimetry, heat capacity, common thermodynamic processes, and enthalpy.
Lessons in this module
Internal energy work and heat
The first law of thermodynamics states conservation of energy for thermal systems. This lesson distinguishes internal energy, heat, and work.
Calorimetry and heat capacity
Calorimetry measures heat transfer using temperature changes and phase changes. This lesson introduces heat capacity, specific heat, latent heat, and energy balance.
Thermodynamic processes (isothermal adiabatic isobaric isochoric)
Thermodynamic processes are paths between equilibrium states. This lesson compares isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric processes for ideal gases.
Enthalpy
Enthalpy is a thermodynamic state function useful for constant-pressure processes. This lesson introduces $H=U+PV$, heat at constant pressure, and phase-change applications.
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