I am having a real problem with this question. Through the process of doing work, energy can move between the external world and the system as the result of forces or work. I say it's forces, but someone else says it's work because only work and energy can be inerchanged. Who is right?

Energy can enter a system from the external world as a result of either work or heat transfer. Forces alone are not enough. The forces must cause something to move, and do work.

In this scenario, the person who says that energy can move between the external world and the system as the result of work is correct. Work is indeed a mechanism through which energy can be transferred between a system and the external world.

To understand this concept, we need to have a clear understanding of work and energy. Work is defined as the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and causes it to move in the direction of the force. Energy, on the other hand, is the capacity to do work.

When a force acts on an object and causes it to move, work is being done. This work transfers energy from the external world to the system. Thus, work is an essential mechanism for energy transfer.

Forces alone, without any resulting movement, do not transfer energy. If a force is exerted on an object but does not cause any displacement, then no work is done, and no energy is transferred.

It is important to note that while work is one way energy can enter a system from the external world, heat transfer is another mechanism. Heat transfer is the transfer of energy due to the temperature difference between the system and its surroundings.

So, to answer the question, the person who says that energy can move between the external world and the system as the result of work is correct. Forces alone are not enough, as they need to cause movement and do work to transfer energy.