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The first law of thermodynamics states that: "The internal energy of a system is a function of its state. Any increase in the internal energy of a system is equal to the sum of the heat supplied to the system and the work done on the system."

In equations, this is stated as:

DU = DQ + DW

where

DU is the INCREASE in internal energy

DQ is the heat SUPPLIED

DW is the work done ON the system

So, if heat is lost by the system, it means that DQ is negative and if work is done by the system, it means that DW is negative.

The best way to answer thermodynamics questions involving the first law is to think logically about what calculations should be made. If you do this, you will never make mistakes about signs.

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