Re: "Dissipation" (was Re: momentum conservation(2))

[Tim Burgess <tburgess@JAGUAR1.USOUTHAL.EDU>]

> Mr Chairman, I rise in dismay at the use of the word "dissipation" in
> connection with the concept of energy.  To say that energy (in any guise)
> dissipates is to imply that it moves or flows.  I join with those who
> proclaim that this is a dangerous image to put into the minds of
> students.  Energy should be thought of as a "property" of a system:

When you say property you mean "static" and "fixed"?
I certainly do wish to avoid any "dangerous image."
I think that "dissipation" helps account for the energy that has a total
that is "fixed"?  This is another account that is "labeled" but may not
be totally understood?

> be increassed or decreased by doing work (or being work as in the case of
> PE) but it does not move -- unless of course the system moves -- It does
> not flow from one system to another -- It does not dissipate,
>
> Of course one is quite free to use any language which communicates
> _correct_ principles, but I think that it would be very difficult --
> although common place -- to talk about energy as dissipating and teach
> correct principles.

I do want to make sure that I understand your position. Thanks for your
strong response.

Tim Burgess

> Jim Green
> mailto:JMGreen@sisna.com
> http://users.sisna.com/jmgreen