Thermal energy vs Electrical energy

Electricity is a cleaner form of energy

Electrical energy is a form of work energy. Work energy is the capacity of a system to do work, and electrical energy is the energy associated with the flow of electric charge [electrons]through a conductor. When electrical energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as mechanical energy or heat, work is performed.?Since electrical energy is typically a form of work energy, electrical energy is considered as ‘pure’ energy. Electrical energy is a more ordered form of energy since it flows along a conductor. Unlike heat energy electrical energy does not disperse on its way to a destination. Electrical energy is not a path function, as it is a form of energy dependent on the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. The potential difference determines the flow of electrons through a circuit, or voltage, between the points, rather than the specific path the electrons take.?

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Let me expand on this point. This is the key to this post. ?Work energy is a "purer" form of energy in the sense that it is not associated with the generation of entropy, as it does not involve heat transfer. Work energy involves the transfer of energy through mechanical means, such as pushing, pulling, or lifting an object, and it is a form of energy that can be used to perform useful work without necessarily leading to the generation of waste heat or an increase in entropy. In contrast, energy transfer through heat involves random molecular motion and is associated with an increase in entropy. This is a fundamental aspect of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that in any energy transfer or conversion process, some energy will be lost as waste heat, leading to an increase in entropy in the system. Therefore, work energy can be considered a "cleaner" form of energy compared to heat energy in terms of entropy generation. The energy of electrical energy is typically expressed as 100% since it is the initial form of energy input. When electrical energy is converted into other forms of energy such as heat, light, or mechanical energy, the total amount of energy remains the same, but the efficiency of the conversion process determines how much of that energy is successfully transformed into the desired output form. ?The entropy Q/T [ Q is heat and T is temperature]is generated as a result of the conversion process. This is due to the inherent tendency of energy to disperse and become more disordered as it is transformed from one form to another.

Electrical energy is work energy: Electrical energy work, W [Work] = VQ, and V is the potential difference between the two points. Q is the charge, Q = It [ Ohm’s law]

W = V It, Therefore, to conclude, in the case of electrical energy the conversion to work depends only on the potential difference V which is in volts, and current which is in ampere. There is no entropy or heat reservoir concept like in heat energy.

How electrical energy generates heat: Electrical energy can generate heat through the process of resistive heating, which is described by the formula I^2 R T. In this formula: - I represents the current flowing through a resistor, - R represents the resistance of the material through which the current is flowing, - T represents the time duration for which the current flows. When an electric current flows through a resistor, such as a heating element in an appliance, the resistance of the material causes some of the electrical energy to be converted into heat energy. This heat generation is a result of the collisions between electrons and atoms in the material as the current flows through it, and it is what powers devices like electric heaters, stoves, and toasters.

In summary,?the source of electricity is typically work, which is a pure form of energy, while the source of heat is often the transfer of energy through infrared radiation or other forms of energy transfer. Work, in the context of electricity, involves the movement of charged particles, such as electrons, through a conductor to generate electrical energy. One way to understand why electricity is considered purer than heat is by looking at the nature of the energy transfer involved. When electricity is generated and transmitted through a circuit, the flow of electrons is a direct and controlled process that can be harnessed to perform specific tasks, such as powering devices or lighting up bulbs. This transfer of electrical energy is efficient and can be easily converted into other forms of energy, such as mechanical or light energy, with minimal loss.

On the other hand, heat energy is often the result of the random motion or vibration of particles within a system, which makes it more difficult to control and harness for specific purposes. Heat transfer is typically a less efficient process compared to the flow of electricity, as heat tends to disperse and dissipate more readily, leading to energy loss and decreased efficiency in energy conversions. Therefore, the relative purity of electricity compared to heat stems from the direct and controlled nature of electrical energy transfer, as well as its efficiency in performing work and powering devices. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the different forms of energy and their characteristics in various applications and systems.?

In final words, electrical energy is a more ordered form of energy since it flows along a conductor. Unlike heat energy electrical energy does not disperse on its way to a destination. Electrical energy is not a path function, as it is a form of energy that is dependent on the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. The potential difference determines the flow of electrons through a circuit, or voltage, between the points, rather than the specific path the electrons take.?