Question

The first law of thermodynamics states that E=Q-W. How is this also a statement of the principle of conservation of energy?

Answer 1

Energy is never created nor destroyed, just transferred. Q represents internal energy this can be caused by friction or any other cause for energy transfer

Answer 2

Explanation :

According to the first law of thermodynamic, the energy cab be transformed from one form of energy to the another form of energy but the energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. It is also called as the law of conservation of energy.

`E=Q-W`

where,

E = internal energy

Q = net heat transferred into the system

W = work done by the system or on the system

So, we can say that the heat that flows into the system is transformed into work and a change in internal energy.