Final answer:
The first law of thermodynamics states that the change in internal energy of a closed system equals the net heat transfer into the system minus the net work done by the system. When applied to an adiabatic process of an ideal gas, where no heat transfer occurs (Q = 0), the equation simplifies to AU = - W.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first law of thermodynamics states that the change in internal energy of a closed system equals the net heat transfer into the system minus the net work done by the system. In equation form, the first law of thermodynamics is AU = Q - W. When applied to an adiabatic process of an ideal gas, where no heat transfer occurs (Q = 0), the equation simplifies to AU = - W.