248
If a machine is never 100% efficient transforming energy into work because part of the energy is converted into heat, does it mean an electric heater is 100% efficient? [@showerthoughts@lemmy.world](h (social.graves.cl)
submitted 8 months ago by alvaro@social.graves.cl to c/showerthoughts@lemmy.world
82 comments fedilink hide all child comments

If a machine is never 100% efficient transforming energy into work because part of the energy is converted into heat, does it mean an electric heater is 100% efficient? @showerthoughts@lemmy.world

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] ptz@dubvee.org 0 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I'm honestly not clear if the visible portion eventually turns to heat or not (in a reasonable timeframe anyway), but the bulk of those emissions are in the infrared spectrum which you will feel as heat or will be absorbed by other objects which will radiate the heat through convection.

That's why I said "technically" and "roughly" in regards to 100% efficiency. I'm answering a shower thought in an ELI5 kind of way, not writing a thesis.

this post was submitted on 17 Feb 2024
248 points (97.3% liked)

Showerthoughts

29525 readers
375 users here now

A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. The best ones are thoughts that many people can relate to and they find something funny or interesting in regular stuff.

Rules

  1. All posts must be showerthoughts
  2. The entire showerthought must be in the title
  3. Avoid politics (NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out)
  4. Posts must be original/unique
  5. Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
vatlark@lemmy.world
forkball@lemmy.world
quinten@lemmy.world
Thekingoflorda@lemmy.world