CameraIcon
CameraIcon
SearchIcon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

What is the maximum thermal efficiency for a heat engine?


Open in App
Solution

The maximum thermal efficiency for a heat engine:

  1. The temperature difference between the hot and cold ends divided by the temperature at the hot end equals the greatest theoretical efficiency associated with a heat engine (which is impossible for a practical engine to achieve).
  2. The formula for thermal efficiency of a heat engine is written as nmax=TH-TCTH where THandTC are the absolute temperature of the hot and cold reservoirs.
  3. It is expressed on an absolute scale Kelvin.
  4. Hence the efficiency of a Carnot engine with a hot reservoir of boiling water and a cold reservoir of ice cold water is 1-(273/373)=0.27, converting just over a quarter of the heat energy into useful work.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon