Heat and Thermodynamics


   
 
Work and Heat
In 1798, Count Rumford observed that the amount of heat produced is proportional to the amount of mechanical work done. Later, Dr. James Prescott Joule of Manchester, established a definite relation between the work done and the heat produced. It was shown that when a certain amount of mechanical work is done, an equivalent amount of heat is always produced.
 
If W is the amount of mechanical work done and Q is quantity of heat produced, then
 
 
where J is a constant of proportionality.
 
 
It is known as Joule's constant or Joule's mechanical equivalent of heat.
 
If Q = 1, then J = W.
 
Joule's mechanical equivalent of heat may be defined as the amount of work done so as to produce a unit quantity of heat.
 
 
     
   
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