Thermodynamics and Energy Exchange

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to thermodynamics, energy, and energy exchange, as discussed in the lecture.

Coulomb's Law

A law that describes the electrostatic interaction between charged particles, stating that attraction decreases potential energy and repulsion increases potential energy.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or transformed.

Open System

A system that can exchange both energy and matter with its surroundings.

Closed System

A system that can exchange energy but not matter with its surroundings.

Internal Energy

The total energy contained within a system, including both kinetic and potential energy.

Delta E (ΔE)

The change in energy of a system, calculated as the final energy minus the initial energy.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, typically in the form of heat, to its surroundings.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs energy from its surroundings.

Negative Delta E (ΔE)

Indicates that energy has been lost by the system and is typically associated with exothermic reactions.

Thermal Equilibrium

A state in which two objects in contact with each other exchange no heat energy, resulting in the same temperature.

Work (W)

Energy transfer that involves moving an object over a distance.

PV Work

A type of work related to the change in volume of a system, represented as work equals negative pressure times change in volume.

Thermal Energy

The average kinetic energy of all the molecules in a substance due to their motion.

Heat Transfer

The energy that flows from a warmer object to a cooler object.