In a closed system, if the internal energy of the system increases, what can be
Practice Questions
Q1
In a closed system, if the internal energy of the system increases, what can be said about the enthalpy?
Enthalpy decreases
Enthalpy increases
Enthalpy remains constant
Enthalpy is independent of internal energy
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a closed system, if the internal energy of the system increases, what can be said about the enthalpy?
Step 1: Understand that a closed system means no matter enters or leaves the system.
Step 2: Know that internal energy (U) is the total energy contained within the system.
Step 3: Recognize that enthalpy (H) is a measure of total energy, including internal energy and the energy needed to make space for the system (pressure and volume).
Step 4: Remember the formula for enthalpy: ΔH = ΔU + PΔV, where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, ΔU is the change in internal energy, P is pressure, and ΔV is the change in volume.
Step 5: If the internal energy (ΔU) increases, it contributes positively to the change in enthalpy (ΔH).
Step 6: Therefore, if ΔU increases, ΔH must also increase, assuming pressure and volume changes are not negative enough to offset this increase.
