Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Science & Nature / Science / Physics / Difference Between Heat Dissipated and Work Accomplished

Difference Between Heat Dissipated and Work Accomplished

August 23, 2011 Posted by Admin

Heat Dissipated vs Work Accomplished

We use electrical, mechanical or any other type of systems to get done some work. For example, we use the electrical equipment called ‘bulb’ to get light. In a bulb, electrical energy is converted into light energy (or to electromagnetic waves). However, all the electrical energy supplied into a bulb is not converted into light, although we wish it to be. Some of the electrical energy is converted into heat (which we do not want), and it is known as heat dissipation. The amount of energy that is actually converted into light (this is some percentage of the total energy supplied) is called the ‘work accomplished’.

Heat Dissipated

Any dynamic system (electrical, mechanical or any other) dissipates some heat due to many reasons such as friction, impedance, turbulence etc. This is an unwanted, but unavoidable phenomenon according to the laws of thermodynamics. However, we can minimize the amount of heat dissipation through proper system design. For example, ‘power factor correction’ in electrical systems can reduce the heat dissipation to a greater extent.

In case of an incandescent bulb, heat is dissipated when the current is flowing through the filament. It emits not only desired light waves, but also heat. Heat dissipation is lower in CFL and LED bulbs compared to incandescent bulbs. According to the concepts such as ‘entropy’ and ‘Carnot cycle’ in thermodynamics, heat dissipation is unavoidable, though it can be minimized.

Work Accomplished

In a system, work accomplished is the energy that has been converted into what we need. For a bulb, it is the amount of light energy emitted from it. For a motor, it is the kinetic energy of the rotating part. For a television, it is light and sound energy emitted from it. The percentage of work accomplished to the total energy supplied is known as ‘efficiency’. Work accomplished is always less than the total energy supplied, as some amount of heat dissipation is unavoidable. Therefore, 100% efficient systems are impossible. Even a totally mechanical system, will dissipate some heat due to friction.

What is the difference between Heat Dissipated and Work Accomplished?

1. Work accomplished is the amount of energy converted into the desired output, where heat dissipation is the energy wasted as heat.

2. Work accomplished is the wanted part, and heat dissipation is unwanted.

3. Although unwanted, heat dissipation cannot be reduced to zero according to the laws in physics.

4. If the percentage of work accomplished to the total energy supplied is higher, the system is ‘high efficient’, where the system is ‘low efficient’ if the heat dissipation is higher.

Related posts:

Difference Between Energy and Power Difference Between Static Energy and Kinetic Energy Difference Between Momentum and Energy Difference Between Workdone and Energy Difference Between Signal and Noise

Filed Under: Physics Tagged With: Carnot cycle, Efficiency, energy, entropy, heat dissipation, laws of thermodynamics, work accomplished

About the Author: Admin

Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between White Noise and Pink Noise

Difference Between Generic and Non-Generic Collection in C#

Difference Between Generic and Non-Generic Collection in C#

Difference Between Strategy and Policy

Difference Between Heavy Water and Light Water

Difference Between Heavy Water and Light Water

Difference Between Basal and Complete Media

Difference Between Basal and Complete Media

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Graphite and Lead
  • What is the Difference Between Symptom and Syndrome
  • What is the Difference Between Platelet Plug and Blood Clot
  • What is the Difference Between Agglutination and Hemagglutination
  • What is the Difference Between Fullerene and Carbon Nanotubes
  • What is the Difference Between Dialysis and Kidney Transplant
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.