In thermodynamics, what does the symbol 'W' represent?

In thermodynamics, the symbol 'W' represents work done in a system. Work is defined as the energy transfer that occurs when a force is applied to move an object over a distance. In the context of thermodynamics, work can be related to processes such as compression or expansion of gases. For example, when a gas expands in a piston, it does work on the surroundings as it pushes the piston upwards, which involves energy exchange.

Understanding 'W' as work is crucial in thermodynamics because it helps quantify the energy interactions between a system and its environment, forming a foundational concept in the first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. This highlights the importance of work in energy transfers, making it a key variable in analyzing different thermodynamic processes.