Chapter 10, Problem 41A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for the first law of thermodynamics to not explain the spontaneous roll up of a ball on a hill needs to be described.

Concept introduction: Universe is made up of energy and matter. Energy is not a material. It has no mass and not taking up rooms. Energy can be hard to explain and to identify.

Answer to Problem 41A

First law of thermodynamics does not state the path of transferred energy.

Explanation of Solution

First thermodynamic rule states that total energy content is constant. It does not state the path or magnitude of the transferred energy. For a ball to roll up a hill spontaneously it needs energy to work against gravity. Energy is not generated naturally it has to come from somewhere.

Conclusion

First thermodynamic rule states that heat is a source of energy, and that thermodynamic process are subject to the concept of energy conservation.