Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): The first law of thermodynamics is the conservation-of-energy principle stated for a system where heat and work are the methods of transferring energy for a system in thermal...Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): The first law of thermodynamics is the conservation-of-energy principle stated for a system where heat and work are the methods of transferring energy for a system in thermal equilibrium. \(Q\) represents the net heat transfer—it is the sum of all heat transfers into and out of the system. \(Q\) is positive for net heat transfer into the system. \(W\) is the total work done on and by the system. \(W\) is positive when more work is done by the system than on it.
Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): The first law of thermodynamics is the conservation-of-energy principle stated for a system where heat and work are the methods of transferring energy for a system in thermal...Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): The first law of thermodynamics is the conservation-of-energy principle stated for a system where heat and work are the methods of transferring energy for a system in thermal equilibrium. \(Q\) represents the net heat transfer—it is the sum of all heat transfers into and out of the system. \(Q\) is positive for net heat transfer into the system. \(W\) is the total work done on and by the system. \(W\) is positive when more work is done by the system than on it.
