The study of energy and its interconversions is called thermodynamics. The law of conservation of energy is often called the first law of thermodynamics and is stated as follows; the energy of the universe is constant.

The energy of the universe is always constant

 

One of the most important characteristics of energy is that it is conserved. The law of conservation of energy states that energy can be converted from one form to another, but can be neither cretaed nor destroyed. That means that the energy of the universe is constant.

 

Energy can be classified as either potential or kinetic energy. Potential energy is energy due to position or composition. Kinetic energy of an object is energy due to the motion of the object and can depend on the mass of the object and its velocity.

 

Work is defined as force acting over a distance.

 

Chemical energy

 

The system is the part of the universe on which we wish to focus attnetion;the surroundings include everything else in the universe. When a reaction results in the evolution of heat, it is called an exothermic reaction. This means that energy is flowing out of the system. Reactions that absorb energy from the surroundings are said to be endothermic. This means that the heat flow goes into the object.

 

The study if energy and its interconversions is called thermodynamics. The law of conservation of energy is often called the first law of thermodynamics and is stated as follows; the energy of the universe is constant.

 

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Enthalpy and Calorimetry