The Energy System of Matter: A Deduction from Terrestrial Energy PhenomenaWeir, James, active 1883-1912
Science
The Energy System of Matter: A Deduction from Terrestrial Energy Phenomena
Weir, James, active 1883-1912
Force and energy
Other aspects of incepting energy may be derived from the examples cited
above. Returning to the case of the rotating copper sphere, let it be
assumed that in consequence of its rotation in the magnetic field it is
raised from a low to a high temperature. Due to the heating effect
alone, the mass will expand or increase in volume. This increase is the
evidence of a definite energy process by which certain particles or
portions of the mass have in distortion gained energy of
position--energy of separation--or potential energy relative to the
centre of the sphere. In fact, if the mass were allowed to cool back to
its normal condition, this energy might by a suitable arrangement be
made available for some form of external work. It is obvious, however,
that this new energy of position or separation which has accrued to the
mass in its heated condition has in reality been obtained by the
transformation of the "work" energy originally applied. The abnormal
displacement of certain particles or portions of the mass from the
centre of the sphere is simply the external evidence of their increased
energy. Now this displacement, or strain, due to the heat expansion, is
carried out against the action of certain cohesive forces or stresses
existing between the particles throughout the mass. These cohesive
forces are, in fact, the agency which determines this transformation of
heat into energy of position. Their existence is essential to the
process. But these cohesive forces are simply the external manifestation
of that energy by virtue of which the mass tends to maintain its
coherent form. They are the symbol of that energy which might be termed
the cohesion energy of the mass--they are, in fact, the symbol of the
incepting energy influence of the transformation. This incepting energy
influence of cohesion is one which holds sway throughout all solid
material. It is, therefore, found in action in every movement involving
the internal displacement or distortion of matter. It is a property of
matter, and accordingly it is found to vary not only with the material,
but also with the precise physical condition or the energy state of the
material with which it is associated. In this respect, it differs
entirely from the preceding magnetic influence. The latter, we have
seen, has no direct association with the copper ball, or with the
material which is the actual venue of the transformation. As an energy
influence, it is itself persistent, and unaffected by the energy state
of that material. On the other hand, the cohesion energy, being purely a
property of the material which is the habitat of the energy process, is
directly affected by its energy state. This point will be clearer by
reference to the actual phenomena of the heat transformation. As the
process proceeds, the temperature of the mass as the expansion increases
will rise higher and higher, until, at a certain point, the solid
material is so energised that change of state ensues. At this, the
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