Self Check: First Law of Thermodynamics (Problem Set)

Name: Joe Mama Strand & Section: Earth-165

Formula used:
△U = q + w, where in
△U = total change in energy
q = heat exchange
w = work
w = -p △v, where in
p = external pressure
△v = change in volume

Problem Set
1.) A gas releases 35 J of heat as 84 J of work was done to compress it. Calculate the change in
energy.
Given: q = - 35 J Solution:

w = 84 J △U = -35 J + 84 J

Required: △U = ? Final Answer:

Equation: △U = q + w △U = 49 J

2.) What is the work done by a system when it absorbs 47 J of heat and gain 12 J of energy?
Given: q = 47 J
Solution:
△U = 12 J
w = - 47 J + 12 J
Required: w = ?
Final Answer:
Equation: △U = q + w
w = - 35 J
w = q + △U
3.) How much heat is released by a system when 45 J of work is done on it to decrease its
energy to 23 J?

Given: w = 45 J
Solution:
△U = - 23 J
q = - 45 J + (-23 J)
Required: q = ?
Final Answer:
Equation: △U = q + w
q = -68 J
q = - w + △U

4.) Suppose a woman does 500 J of work and 9500 J of heat transfer occurs into the
environment in the process. What is the decrease in her internal energy, assuming no
consumption of food?

Given: w = -500 J Solution:

q = - 9500 J △U = - 9500 J + (-500 J)

Required: △U = ? Final Answer:

Equation: △U = q + w

5.) A thermodynamic system undergoes a process in which its internal energy decreases by 500
J. If at the same time 220 J of work is done on the system, find the thermal energy transferred
to or from it.

Given: △U = -500 J Solution:

w = 220 J q = - 220 J + (-500 J)
Required: q = ? Final Answer:
Equation: △U = q + w q = - 720 J
q = - w + △U