Starting from the properties of the electromagnetic radiation field at stable equilibrium, we derive expressions for the flows of energy and entropy between two black bodies at different temperatures, interacting only through electromagnetic radiation. We find that in general the interaction through radiation is nonwork but not heat. It is heat only if the temperature difference between the interacting systems is infinitesimal.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Entropy, Equilibrium (Physics), Radiation (Physics), Cavities, Heat, Electromagnetic fields, Electromagnetic radiation, Flow (Dynamics), Temperature

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