unavailable energy
"Unavailable energy" is a key concept in thermodynamics, particularly in understanding energy efficiency and entropy.
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Definition
C1Thermodynamics
(technical, scientific)Energy in a system that cannot be converted into useful work due to the increase in entropy.
Example
- In a steam engine, some of the heat becomes unavailable energy and cannot be used to perform work.
- The concept of unavailable energy helps explain why no engine can be 100% efficient.
C1Physics
(technical, scientific)Energy that is dissipated as heat and cannot be harnessed for practical use.
Example
- During the conversion process, some energy becomes unavailable energy and is lost as heat.
- Unavailable energy is a consequence of the second law of thermodynamics.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "unavailable energy":
phantom energyfree energyalternative energythermal energyelectric energy