In a heat engine maximum heat that can be converted into mechanical wo...
Since
The work temperature plays an important role in the efficiency of the engine.
The correct answer is: depends upon working temperature
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In a heat engine maximum heat that can be converted into mechanical wo...
The Maximum Heat that can be Converted into Mechanical Work in a Heat Engine
The maximum heat that can be converted into mechanical work in a heat engine is dependent on the working temperature. This is because the efficiency of a heat engine is determined by the temperature difference between the hot reservoir and the cold reservoir. The working temperature is the temperature at which the heat engine operates.
Explanation:
Heat engines work based on the principle of converting heat energy into mechanical work. The efficiency of a heat engine is given by the Carnot efficiency, which is the ratio of the work output to the heat input. The Carnot efficiency is given by the equation:
Efficiency = 1 - (Tc/Th)
where Tc is the temperature of the cold reservoir and Th is the temperature of the hot reservoir.
Dependence on Working Temperature:
The maximum heat that can be converted into mechanical work is determined by the efficiency of the heat engine. As mentioned earlier, the efficiency is dependent on the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs.
Higher Working Temperature:
When the working temperature is higher, the efficiency of the heat engine increases. This is because the temperature difference (Th - Tc) is larger, resulting in a higher value for the Carnot efficiency. As a result, more heat can be converted into mechanical work.
Lower Working Temperature:
On the other hand, when the working temperature is lower, the efficiency of the heat engine decreases. This is because the temperature difference (Th - Tc) is smaller, resulting in a lower value for the Carnot efficiency. As a result, less heat can be converted into mechanical work.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the maximum heat that can be converted into mechanical work in a heat engine depends upon the working temperature. A higher working temperature results in a higher efficiency and therefore more heat can be converted into mechanical work. Conversely, a lower working temperature results in a lower efficiency and therefore less heat can be converted into mechanical work.