Question

Define the term mechanical equivalent of heat. How is it different or similar to mechanical work?

Answer 1

The mechanical equivalent of heat is the quantitative ratio between mechanical and thermal energy. Empirically, it was found that, spending 427 kgm, you can get 1 kcal of heat. This value (427 kgf), equivalent to 1 kcal, is called the mechanical heat equivalent. On the contrary, spending 1/427 kcal of heat, you can do the work of 1 kgm. This reciprocal is called the thermal or thermal equivalent of work.