How is the capacity of a body to do work defined?

The capacity of a body to do work is defined as energy. Energy embodies the ability to perform work, and this concept spans various forms, including kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, and more. In a refrigeration context, energy determines how effectively systems can transfer heat and perform the necessary work to maintain desired temperatures.

Pressure, force, and power are related concepts but do not encapsulate the broader definition of work capacity:

• Pressure refers to the force applied per unit area and is essential in processes involving fluids but doesn't directly equate to the capacity for work in the general sense.

• Force is the interaction that causes a change in motion, described by Newton's second law (Force = mass × acceleration), representing a push or pull but needing energy to convert that force into work performed.

• Power, on the other hand, is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred over time, which is important for understanding performance but again does not define the ability to do work as energy does.

Thus, recognizing energy as the capacity to do work is fundamental in various branches of physics and applied sciences, including refrigeration technology, where understanding the flow and transformation of energy is key for efficient system design and operation.