The General Energy Equation — the First Law for a Control Volume

Inside this lesson

Derive the steady-flow energy equation from the First Law of Thermodynamics for a control volume
Name the five energy contributions a fluid carries across a control-volume boundary
Write the energy equation in head form with pump head, turbine head, and head loss
Explain precisely why the energy equation is NOT 'Bernoulli with losses tacked on'

Unlock the full Mechanical Engineering bundle

Every paid lesson across both the Fluid Mechanics and Solid Mechanics courses — one purchase, both courses.
Interactive simulators for the Moody chart, Bernoulli's equation, hydrostatic forces, and more.

Get the bundle →

One-time purchase — see options on the next page.

or unlock everything with all-access

Not ready yet? Keep learning for free — start with the hydrostatic equation or what a fluid is.

⚖️

Educational content covering topics typical of a first- and second-year mechanical engineering curriculum. Not a substitute for accredited coursework, and not suitable for real fluid-system design without review by a licensed professional engineer.