1st Law for an Adiabatic, Closed System

The total energy of the system is a state variable.
But in this system, the only way to change the total energy is through work.

So, can work still be a path variable?

Application of the

First Law of Thermodynamics

Consider an

adiabatic

,

closed system

.
Closed System
No mass crosses the boundary of the system.
Adiabatic
No heat transfer occurs across the boundary of the system (Q = 0)
Therefore, the only form of energy which crosses the system boundary is work.
W
Sign convention arrow indicates that we have decided that work is positive when it is done by the system on the surroundings.
ΔE
Insulation
Insulation surrounding the system.
This diagram show a system and system boundary containing several devices.
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Ch 4, Lesson C, Page 3 - 1st Law for an Adiabatic, Closed System