Final answer:
The change in internal energy of a system can be calculated using the equation ΔE = Q - W, where ΔE represents the change in internal energy, Q represents the amount of heat absorbed or transferred, and W represents the work done on or by the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in internal energy of a system is given by the equation: ΔE = Q - W, where ΔE represents the change in internal energy, Q represents the amount of heat absorbed or transferred, and W represents the work done on or by the system.
(a) In this case, the system absorbs 2,500 J of heat and does 7,655 J of work on the surroundings. So, the change in internal energy is: ΔE = 2,500 J - 7,655 J = -5,155 J.
(b) In this case, the system absorbs 12.4 J of heat and does 4.2 J of work on the surroundings. So, the change in internal energy is: ΔE = 12.4 J - 4.2 J = 8.2 J.