Internal energy is the total energy contained within a system, encompassing both kinetic and potential energy at the molecular level. It is a state function, meaning its change depends only on the initial and final states of the system, not on the path taken to get there.

Internal Energy

Internal energy

Total energy in a system is the sum of all forms of energy present, including kinetic, potential, thermal, and others, and remains constant in a closed system according to the law of conservation of energy. This principle is fundamental in physics and engineering, enabling the analysis of energy transformations and transfers within systems.

total energy

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, and it is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity. This form of energy is a fundamental concept in physics, playing a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of systems and the conservation of energy principle.

Kinetic Energy

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or state, which can be converted into kinetic energy or work. It is a fundamental concept in physics that helps explain the energy transformations in various systems, such as gravitational, elastic, and chemical systems.

potential energy

molecular level

A state function is a property of a system that depends only on its current state, not on the path taken to reach that state. This means that changes in state functions are determined solely by the initial and final states of the system, making them path-independent and crucial for describing thermodynamic processes.

state function

Change of internal energy

initial and final states

Path dependence is the idea that historical events or decisions significantly shape the trajectory of future developments, making certain outcomes more likely due to the influence of past choices. It highlights how initial conditions and early events can lock systems into specific paths, often leading to inefficiencies or suboptimal outcomes that persist over time.

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