What Is a Dissipate?

In thermodynamics, dissipation is the result of an irreversible process that takes place in homogeneous thermodynamic systems. In a dissipative process, energy transforms from an initial form to a final form, where the capacity of the final form to do mechanical work is less than that of the initial form.

What does the word dissipate?

1 : to cause to break up and disappear: disperse The wind dissipated the clouds. 2 : to scatter or waste foolishly : squander He dissipated his saved allowance. dissipate. transitive verb. dis·​si·​pate | \ ˈdi-sə-ˌpāt \

What does dissipate mean in science?

Dissipation is a term that is often used to describe ways in which energy is wasted. Any energy that is not transferred to useful energy stores is said to be wasted because it is lost to the surroundings. ... In a mechanical system, energy is dissipated when two surfaces rub together.