The diagram shows four states of a system, each with different internal energy, E. (a) Which of the states of the system has the greatest internal energy?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the internal energy values for each state from the diagram.
2. Compare the internal energy values of all the states.
3. Determine which state has the highest internal energy value.
4. Conclude that the state with the highest internal energy value has the greatest internal energy.
5. Verify your conclusion by rechecking the values from the diagram.

Key Concepts

Internal Energy

Internal energy is the total energy contained within a system, encompassing both kinetic and potential energy of the particles. It is a state function, meaning it depends only on the current state of the system, not on how it reached that state. Understanding internal energy is crucial for analyzing thermodynamic processes and predicting how energy will transfer in a system.

Thermodynamic States

A thermodynamic state refers to the condition of a system as defined by its properties, such as temperature, pressure, and volume. Each state can have a distinct internal energy value, which can be represented in diagrams. Recognizing the differences between these states is essential for determining which state has the highest internal energy.

Energy Comparisons

Comparing internal energy across different states involves analyzing the factors that contribute to energy changes, such as temperature and phase changes. Higher temperatures generally correlate with higher internal energy due to increased molecular motion. This concept is vital for identifying which state in the diagram possesses the greatest internal energy.