First Law of Thermodynamics Lab - Physics Simulations

t = 0.00s

Heat In (Q) Work Out (W)

Live Telemetry & Summary

Observe the live values changing in real-time. Notice how energy is conserved ($\Delta U = Q - W$).

Heat Supplied (Q):0 J

Work Done (W):0 J

Internal Energy Change (ΔU):0 J

Expansion (ΔV):0.0 L

Variable Adjuster

Heat Input (Q)500J

01000

Gas Pressure (P)20000Pa

1000050000

Expansion (ΔV)0.015m³

0.0050.02

First Law of Thermodynamics

ENGY

The First Law of Thermodynamics is the law of conservation of energy. It states that the change in internal energy (dU) of a closed system is equal to the amount of heat supplied to the system (Q) minus the amount of work done by the system on its surroundings (W).

\Delta U = Q - W, \quad W = P \Delta V

Whiteboard Solver Steps

Step 1

Work Done by Expanding Gas

Work is done as the gas pressure pushes the piston outward, changing the volume of the cylinder.

W = P \cdot \Delta V = 20000 \cdot 0.0150 = 300.0 \text{ J}

Step 2

Conservation of Energy (First Law)

The change in internal energy equals the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system on its surroundings.

\Delta U = Q - W = 500 - 300.0 = 200.0 \text{ J}