Thermodynamics: Mechanical Equivalent of Heat

The mechanical equivalent of heat is the idea that motion and heat are interchangeable. When a certain amount of work is done it can generate an equivalent amount of heat, as long as the work done is completely converted to heat energy. The mechanical equivalent of heat was important in the development of the law of conservation of energy. This concept was advanced by James Prescott Joule, a brewer in the 1850s, who studied the nature of heat and its relationship to mechanical work and energy. The SI unit for energy, work and heat are named after James Prescott Joule, the joule. Share this video with the following link: