[RobNk]

Hello,

I'm trying to understand the concepts of the reaction  :delta: U and :delta: H, along with the first law of thermodynamics ( :delta: U = q + w), but I'm getting confused with the following thought experiment. I'm looking at U, since I find it easier to imagine, even though H is used more often.  Imagine a reaction:

A + B --> C + D 

has :delta: U = -500 kJ.  (exothermic) Say they are all gases, and I put them in a constant volume, insulated container, so the process is adiabatic, and no work is done. (The reaction could be started with a tiny trigger, like a spark).

For the container as a system:
q = 0 [adiabatic, insulated container]
w = 0 [constant volume]
:delta: U = w + q = 0 + 0 = 0

Obviously the reaction is exothermic, and the temperature of this container would rise, but what exactly is the "system" for which the :delta: U = -500 kJ.  Where is my thinking going astray?

thanks,
Rob

[Juan R.]

:delta:U is defined for a given process.

For a flow process :delta:U_flow gives the change of energy by flows through the boundaries of the system. In your case, your whole system is isolated and the change of energy with the environment is zero.

For a chemical reaction, :delta:U_react gives the change of energy generated by the reaction going forward. In your case it is the energy of products minus the energy of reactants.

[Juan R.]

:delta:U is defined for a given process.

For a flow process :delta:U_flow gives the change of energy by flows through the boundaries of the system. In your case, your whole system is isolated and the change of energy with the environment is zero.

For a chemical reaction, :delta:U_react gives the change of energy generated by the reaction going forward. In your case it is the energy of products minus the energy of reactants.

Sorry, I did not know that one may leave one space behind the delta code for correct rendering.


:delta: U is defined for a given process.

For a flow process :delta: U_flow gives the change of energy by flows through the boundaries of the system. In your case, your whole system is isolated and the change of energy with the environment is zero.

For a chemical reaction, :delta: U_react gives the change of energy generated by the reaction going forward. In your case it is the energy of products minus the energy of reactants.