Understanding Heat Engines - High School Physics
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Question
A Carnot Cycle operates using a heat reservoir at a temperature of 
and a cold reservoir at a temperature of 
. What is the operating efficiency, 
, of this cycle, to the nearest percent?
A Carnot Cycle operates using a heat reservoir at a temperature of
Answer
The efficiency of a Carnot Cycle is defined by:
In this calculation, temperatures are given in Kelvin. Since Celsius and Kelvin exist in a one-to-one ratio, a conversion is unnecessary unless desired. We will perform the conversion, since most classes will advise it.
Using these values, we can calculate the efficiency:
Convert this value to a percentage:
The efficiency of a Carnot Cycle is defined by:
In this calculation, temperatures are given in Kelvin. Since Celsius and Kelvin exist in a one-to-one ratio, a conversion is unnecessary unless desired. We will perform the conversion, since most classes will advise it.
Using these values, we can calculate the efficiency:
Convert this value to a percentage:
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