Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

enthalpy

noun

/ˈɛnθəlpi/

Definition

Enthalpy is a thermodynamic quantity that measures the total heat content of a system, accounting for internal energy and the energy associated with pressure and volume changes.

Examples

Enthalpy is a crucial concept in calorimetry.
The enthalpy change during a chemical reaction can indicate whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic.
In engineering, enthalpy values are used to design efficient HVAC systems.

Meaning

It represents the amount of energy in a system that can be used to do work and is essential for understanding heat transfer in physical and chemical processes.