Final answer:
Delta E (ΔE) represents the change in internal energy of a system in physics, with a negative value indicating a decrease in internal energy, characteristic of an exothermic process. It is a state function that is path independent and, for an ideal gas, related only to temperature changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'delta E' or 'ΔE' in physics typically represents a 'change in the internal energy' of a system, used particularly in the context of thermodynamics. If delta E has a negative value, it indicates a decrease in the internal energy of the system, which is characteristic of an exothermic process. In such a process, the system releases heat to its surroundings. It's important to note that internal energy is a state function, meaning that its change is independent of the path taken by the system to get from its initial to final state, depends only on those end states, and is not related to the individual heat (Q) or work (W) interactions.
In terms of thermodynamics, for an ideal gas, the change in internal energy can often be represented as 'dEint = CyndT', where 'Cyn' is the molar heat capacity at constant volume and 'dT' is the infinitesimal change in temperature. This equation is referencing an ideal gas assumption where the internal energy change is related only to temperature change. Moreover, conservation of energy principles dictate that in any process, energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only change forms.