Question

The first law of thermodynamics is the statement of

• A. conservation of heat
• B. conservation of work
• C. conservation of momentum
• D. conservation of energy

Hint:

- First Law of Thermodynamics: Conservation of Energy (\(\Delta U = Q-W\)). - Second Law of Thermodynamics: Entropy of an isolated system always increases. - Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: Defines thermal equilibrium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Define the First Law of Thermodynamics.The First Law is often written as \( \Delta U = Q - W \), where \( \Delta U \) represents the internal energy change, \( Q \) is the added heat, and \( W \) is the work done by the system.

Step 2: Explain the law's meaning.This law indicates that a system's internal energy change equals the heat added minus the work done. In other words, energy is neither created nor destroyed, only moved or transformed (e.g., heat converted to work and internal energy).

Step 3: Connect the interpretation to basic conservation principles.The principle of energy not being created or destroyed is the conservation of energy. Hence, the First Law of Thermodynamics restates the energy conservation principle, specifically for thermodynamic systems.