What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?

The First Law of Thermodynamics, often referred to as the law of energy conservation, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. This principle is fundamental to understanding how energy flows in physical and chemical processes. For example, in a chemical reaction, the energy stored within reactants is transformed into different forms of energy, such as heat or light, during the reaction process.

This understanding is essential in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering, where energy transformations are critical to the functioning of systems and processes. The law emphasizes that the total energy in an isolated system remains constant, even as it changes forms, highlighting the interconnectedness of energy transfer and conversion in all physical processes.