What is work in the context of thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, work is defined as energy that is transferred when a force is applied over a distance, resulting in a change in the state of a system. This aligns with the concept of energy transfer between systems in such a way that it results in a change, whether it be in volume, pressure, or internal energy.

When work is done on a system, it can result in various effects, such as increasing the system's internal energy, moving a piston in an engine, or expanding gas in a confined space. It's the interaction that modifies the parameters of a system rather than merely the energy contained within it. This interaction plays a critical role in understanding processes such as compression, expansion, and the transformation of energy in various devices.

The other options center on different concepts. For instance, energy transferred through heat is specifically about thermal energy and does not pertain to mechanical work. Potential energy stored in an object refers to energy that is held within a system based solely on its position or configuration, and total energy in a thermodynamic system encapsulates both kinetic and potential energy rather than focusing on the interaction leading to change, which is the essence of work. Understanding work as energy transfer that changes a system is fundamental to analyzing thermodynamic processes and systems.