Transfer of energy without doing work

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Energy cannot be transferred from one form to another without performing work, as work is inherently linked to energy transfer. The discussion highlights that while heat can transfer energy, it still involves work at the microscopic level, particularly concerning the atoms of the cooler material. This concept is often simplified by focusing on macroscopic systems and overlooking the microscopic interactions. The relationship between work and energy transfer is fundamental in thermodynamics. Overall, energy transfer without work is not feasible when considering the complete system dynamics.
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Since work is responsible for transfer of energy from one form to other,is it possible to transfer energy from one form to other without doing work.
 
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It is not. Whenever work is performed, energy is transferred. Whenever energy is transferred, work is performed.
 
projjal said:
Since work is responsible for transfer of energy from one form to other,is it possible to transfer energy from one form to other without doing work.
Yes, that is called "heat".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_(thermodynamics)
 
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DaleSpam said:
Yes, that is called "heat".

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_(thermodynamics )

Are we ignoring the work performed on the atoms of the cooler material when the energy is transferred?
 
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Drakkith said:
Are we ignoring the work performed on the atoms of the cooler material when the energy is transferred?
Yes, essentially by definition. It is really a tautology that comes about by ignoring the microscopic degrees of freedom and only looking at the macroscopic system.
 
DaleSpam said:
Yes, essentially by definition. It is really a tautology that comes about by ignoring the microscopic degrees of freedom and only looking at the macroscopic system.

Ah ok. I figured as much, I just wanted to make sure and to be clear so that the OP doesn't get confused.
 
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