#### Introduction to the First Law of Thermodynamics - Closed Systems: Screencasts

An introduction to the first law and explanation of the terms in the energy balance.

We suggest you list the important points in this screencast as a way to increase retention.

Introduces the first law for a closed system and considers cases of constant pressure and constant volume.

We suggest you list the important points in this screencast as a way to increase retention.

##### Important Equations:

Kinetic Energy:

$E_K = \frac{1}{2} mu^2$

where $$E_K$$ = kinetic energy,

$$m$$ = mass, and

$$u$$ = velocity

Potential Energy:

$E_P = mgh$

where $$E_P$$ = potential energy,

$$g$$ = the acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2), and

$$h$$ = height above reference plane.

First Law Closed System:

$\Delta U + \Delta E_K + \Delta E_P = Q + W$

where $$\Delta U$$ = change in internal energy,

$$\Delta E_K$$ = change in kinetic energy,

$$\Delta E_P$$ = change in potential energy,

$$Q$$ = heat added, and

$$W$$ = work added.