The internal energy of a system is always increased by ________.
A)adding heat to the system
B)having the system do work on the surroundings
C)withdrawing heat from the system
D)adding heat to the system and having the system do work on the surroundings
E)a volume compression

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The internal energy of a system is the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of all the particles in that system. When heat is added to the system, the kinetic energy of the particles increases, resulting in an increase in the internal energy of the system. On the other hand, when heat is withdrawn from the system, the kinetic energy of the particles decreases, resulting in a decrease in the internal energy of the system. Work done on or by the system can also increase or decrease its internal energy, but heat transfer is the primary mechanism for changing the internal energy of a system. Therefore, adding heat to the system is the only option that will always increase its internal energy.

The Internal Energy of a System Is Always Increased by ________