Physics of Energy
Author:
Milivoje M. Kostic a
| Affiliation: | a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, U.S.A. |
DOI:
10.1081/E-EEE-120042342
Editor:
Barney L. Capehart;
Published in:
Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology
Published on:
28 September 2007
Subject:
Energy Industries & Utilities;
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Abstract
The concept and definition of energy are elaborated, as well as different forms and classification of energy are presented. Energy is a fundamental concept indivisible from matter and space, and energy exchanges or transfers are associated with all processes (or changes), thus indivisible from time. Actually, energy is “the building block” and fundamental property of matter and space, thus fundamental property of existence. Any and every material system in nature possesses energy. The structure of any matter and field is “energetic,” meaning active, i.e., photon waves are traveling in space, electrons are orbiting around an atom nucleus or flowing through a conductor, atoms and molecules are in constant rotation, vibration or random thermal motion, etc. When energy is exchanged or transferred from one system to another it is manifested as work or heat. In addition, the First Law of energy conservation and the Second Law of energy degradation and entropy generation are presented along with relevant concluding remarks. In summary, energy is providing existence, and if exchanged, it has ability to perform change.
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| Keywords: Energy; Entropy; Heat; Heat engine; Power; Thermal energy; Total internal energy; Work |
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