Heat is a type of energy that can be converted into work. Who first gave direct evidence of this?

Heat is a type of energy that can be converted into work; option [B]. Count Rumford, also known as Benjamin Thompson, first provided direct evidence of this concept. In the late 18th century, Rumford conducted experiments while overseeing the boring of cannons in Bavaria. He observed that a significant amount of heat was generated during the boring process, even when the drill and cannon were submerged in water to prevent ignition. Rumford concluded that the heat generated was due to the mechanical work being done, thus challenging the then-prevailing caloric theory, which posited that heat was a fluid. His experiments demonstrated that heat could be produced indefinitely as long as mechanical work continued, establishing a fundamental principle in thermodynamics. Therefore, the correct option is [B] Rumford. His work laid the groundwork for the later development of the concept of the mechanical equivalent of heat, which is central to the first law of thermodynamics.