Thermodynamics

Basic Definitions

Notes

First Law of Thermodynamics

First law of thermodynamics is associated with one of the fundamental laws of the universe. It is
the law of conservation of energy!
Mathematically it is presented as an energy balance equation for a given system.
Based on the systems studied and assumptions made, the nature of the equation changes, but its
basic premise of conservation of energy always remains the same.
In this course we will apply the first law of thermodynamics for closed systems and open
systems.
Closed System:
A closed system keeps the working fluid within the system boundaries during a thermodynamic
process. An example of a closed system is a gasoline engine, because during the heat addition
process the air inside the engine remains trapped.
Open System:
Here the working fluid is allowed to enter and leave the system boundaries continuously during a
thermodynamic process. A good example is a jet engine, because a jet engine continuously pulls
air in while adding heat to it.
So we will develop the first law equation for these two different systems as we analyze various
thermodynamic systems.