First read the hyperphysics article on the 1st Law of Thermodynamics and answer:

1. Why is there so much emphasis on the prepositions to and by in the definitions of Q, heat added to the system, and W, work done by the system?
2. How are the first law and energy conservation related?

Read Internal Energy and the boxes that follow on the same page and answer:

3. What energies are included in "internal energy"?
4. Why is the specific heat of water so much larger than the specific heat of copper?

Read Heat and the Heat and Work Example that follows it, then answer:

5. If a cylinder of gas goes from 100^oC to 200^oC, was heat added or work done? How can you tell by inspecting only the initial and final states of the system?
6. Is heat a noun or a verb? What is the best usage of the term "heat"?

If you go to Heat Questions, you'll find several interesting questions (with answers) to ponder. Answer any for extra credit.

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Now go to Heat Engine Processes , and the associated links for each of the four main processes.

7. How is work computed for an isochoric (const V) process?
8. How is heat computed for an isochoric (const V) process?
9. How is work computed for an isobaric (const P) process?
10. How is heat computed for an isobaric (const P) process?
11. How is work computed for an isothermal (const T) process?
12. How is heat computed for an isothermal (const T) process?
13. How is work computed for an adiabatic process?
14. How is heat computed for an adiabatic process?

Finally, read Heat Engine Cycle and the " Analysis of a simple cycle" link to the left of the graph, then answer:

17. Why is it important that the analysis go all the way around the loop?