In thermodynamics, a cyclic process is a process that starts and ends in the same condition. Any energy that is put into the system will also leave the system, usually through work. The engine is one such application of the First Law of Thermodynamics as well as a perfect example of a cyclic process. Watch this video to find out how the engine works as an application of the First Law of Thermodynamics using a cyclic process.
Question
So far you have studied mechanical energy, heat, and work. Are there other forms of energy that may come in to play?
Yes! There are other forms of energy that may affect the internal energy of a system. Some chemical (i.e. the combustion of a gas) and magnetic processes might change the internal energy of a system as well. For now, we will simplify any discussions about chemical and magnetic processes in terms of total energy involved in the process. Perhaps later, you will learn how to calculate the energy produced in some chemical reactions if you haven't studied that in other courses already.
