Difference Between Heat and Work
The differences between heat and work can be understood from the table given below:
| Aspect | Heat | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Heat is the transfer of energy between two systems due to temperature difference. | Work is the transfer of energy through the action of a force. |
| Form of Energy | Heat is a form of energy associated with the motion of atoms and molecules. | Work is also a form of energy, but it involves mechanical motion. |
| Direction | Heat always flows from a hotter object to a cooler one. | Work can be positive (done on the system) or negative (done by the system). |
| Cause | Caused by a temperature gradient between systems. | Caused by the application of force over a distance. |
| Transfer Medium | Heat is transferred through a medium (solid, liquid, gas, or radiation). | Work is transferred through mechanical means (force applied to move an object). |
| Unit of Measurement | Measured in joules (J) or calories (cal). | Measured in joules (J) or foot-pounds (ft-lb). |
| Effect on System | Heat transfer increases or decreases the internal energy of a system. | Work done can change the state of motion or configuration of a system. |
| Examples | Examples include heat transfer from a stove to a pot or the sun warming the Earth. | Examples include lifting a weight, pushing a car, or compressing a gas. |
Difference Between Heat and Work
Heat and work are related forms of energy transfer. They play important roles in thermodynamics. Heat is energy transferred between systems due to temperature differences, while work is energy transferred through the application of force over a distance. In many thermodynamic processes, both heat and work are involved in changing the state of a system.
In this article, we will discuss about the difference between heat and work.