Why is Q = ∆U (heat = change in thermal energy)?

1 Answer
Aritra G.
Jun 3, 2017

From the first law of thermodynamics,

delQ = delU + delW∂Q=∂U+∂W

Where delQ∂Q, delU∂U and delW∂W are differentials in heat, internal energy and work respectively.

Then if there is no work done by/upon the system, delW = 0∂W=0

Then the above relationship reduces to delQ = delU∂Q=∂U and heat transfer is equal to change in internal energy of the gas.

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