Question

The first law of thermodynamics teaches us the conservation of energy, which means the energy can be neither created nor destroyed. However, if you listen to the Public Radio, read Wall Street Journal or watch CNN, you can always learn that we are in the global shortage of energy. Is the First Law of Thermodynamics violated?

Answer 1

The first law of thermodynamics is a fundamental law of nature. It cannot be violated. It states that the TOTAL energy is conserved. A useful form of energy converts to a less useful form of energy and thereby we experience what is call a loss in work potential or ex- ergy loss. The work potential of the that energy is lost. Energy merely changes to a less useful form. However, it is always conserved. The first law is always obeyed. We experience a loss in exergy only. The total energy of the universe remains constant.