Transfer of energy without doing work

[projjal]

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.

 

[Drakkith]

It is not. Whenever work is performed, energy is transferred. Whenever energy is transferred, work is performed.

 

[Dale]

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)

 

[Drakkith]

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?

 

[Dale]

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.

 

[Drakkith]

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.