Who is known for discovering the universality of the conversion between electrical and thermal energy?

James Prescott Joule is recognized for his work demonstrating the relationship between mechanical work and heat, which ultimately laid the foundation for the principle of energy conservation. His experiments, particularly the famous Joule's experiment, showed that mechanical energy can be converted into thermal energy, establishing the equivalence of work done and heat produced. This principle is crucial in thermodynamics, indicating the universality of energy conversion between different forms, including electrical and thermal energy. Joule's findings were instrumental in the development of the first law of thermodynamics, which asserts that energy cannot be created or destroyed but only transformed from one form to another. This fundamental concept allows for the interplay between various forms of energy, including electrical and thermal energy, thus reinforcing Joule's significance in this field.