First Law of Thermodynamics Calculator
Calculate internal energy, heat transfer, and work done using the first law of thermodynamics. Step-by-step solutions for closed and open systems.

First Law of Thermodynamics Calculator:
Utilize this First Law of thermodynamics Calculator to establish the change of internal energy, heat transfer and work done in a system. Calculate the isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric process step-solutions in calculating 000 F- 000 C, 000 C- 000 W, 000 C- 000 V, etc.
First Law of Thermodynamics Tool Formula:
First Law of Thermodynamics:
\[ ΔU = Q - W \]
(where ΔU = change in internal energy, Q = heat added, W = work done)
The First Law of Thermodynamics Calculator assists engineers, students, and researchers to study the energy transfer in the thermodynamic systems. According to the first law, it is impossible to create or destroy energy, but it may be transformed into heat (Q) or work (W), and the resulting change in the internal energy ( ΔU) of a system:
It allows users to enter heat added or removed, work done by/on the system, initial and final internal energy or details of a particular process. The calculator finds the change in internal energy, work done, heat transfer, and ensures the conservation of energy is true. The step-by-step solutions explain how to use the formulae of isothermal, isobaric, isochoric and adiabatic processes and therefore, it is easy to consider changes in energy of closed or open systems.
SI units are accepted: J, kJ, kW, Pa, m 3, C, K. The tool is used by mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, thermal engineers, and students, and they assure them of precise energy analysis, as well as aiding them in the design and assessment of engines, compressors, turbines, and other thermodynamic devices.
⚡ Work & Installation Input to Output:
Input:
- Heat added or removed (Q)
- Work done by/on system (W)
- Initial internal energy (U_i)
- Optional: process type (isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, isochoric)
- Units: J, kJ, kW, Pa, m³, °C, K
Processing:
- Compute internal energy change: ΔU = Q – W
- For specific processes, use corresponding formulas: A. Isothermal: ΔU = 0, W = Q B. Isochoric: W = 0, ΔU = Q C. Isobaric: W = PΔV, ΔU = Q – W D. Adiabatic: Q = 0, ΔU = –W
- Validate input values and units
Output:
- Change in internal energy (ΔU)
- Work done (W)
- Heat transfer (Q)
- Step-by-step formulas and calculations
Testing and Final Adjustments
Test common scenarios:
- Closed system with Q = 500 kJ, W = 200 kJ → ΔU = 300 kJ
- Isothermal compression of ideal gas: W = Q → validate ΔU = 0
- Isochoric heating: W = 0, Q = 400 kJ → ΔU = 400 kJ
- Edge cases: Q = 0 (adiabatic), W = 0 (isochoric), large or small energy values
- Units validation: J ↔ kJ, Pa ↔ kPa, m³ ↔ liters
- Step-by-step clarity for students and engineers
- Mobile/desktop UX: numeric keypad, labels, dropdown for process selection
- Include material or gas examples: ideal gas, water vapor, air
- SEO metadata: "First Law of Thermodynamics Calculator," "ΔU Q W Calculator," "Energy Analysis Tool," schema markup
Frequently Asked Questions - First Law of Thermodynamics Calculator:
What is the first law of thermodynamics?
It states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred as heat or work, causing a change in internal energy.
How do I calculate internal energy change?
ΔU = Q – W, where Q is heat added and W is work done by the system.
What is work done in thermodynamics?
Work done W is energy transferred by the system due to volume change or mechanical processes.
What is heat transfer?
Heat Q is energy transferred into or out of the system due to temperature difference.
Which units are supported?
Energy in J or kJ, pressure in Pa, volume in m³, temperature in °C or K.
Who should use this calculator?
Mechanical, chemical, and thermal engineers, as well as students analyzing thermodynamic systems.
Does it handle specific processes?
Yes, it supports isothermal, isobaric, isochoric, and adiabatic processes.
Can it compute work from pressure and volume?
Yes, W = PΔV for processes where volume changes under pressure.
Does it show step-by-step calculations?
Yes, all formulas and intermediate steps are displayed for clarity.
Why is it important?
It ensures accurate energy balance calculations for engines, compressors, turbines, and other systems.
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