According to Carnot theorem no heat engine working between two given t...
According to Carnot theorem no heat engine working between two given temperatures of source and sink can be more efficient than a perfectly reversible engine working between the same two temperatures, by the statement of Carnot theorem.
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According to Carnot theorem no heat engine working between two given t...
The Carnot Theorem
The Carnot theorem, also known as the Carnot's theorem or Carnot's principle, is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics that sets a limit on the maximum efficiency of heat engines. It states that no heat engine operating between two given temperatures can be more efficient than a perfectly reversible engine operating between the same temperatures.
Explanation
To understand why the answer is option A (Reversible), let's break down the concept:
1. Heat Engines
A heat engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical work. It operates between two heat reservoirs, a source at a higher temperature (T1) and a sink at a lower temperature (T2). The engine absorbs heat from the source, converts a part of it into work, and then rejects the remaining heat to the sink.
2. Efficiency of a Heat Engine
The efficiency (η) of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of the work output (W) to the heat input (Q1) from the source:
η = W / Q1
3. Reversible Heat Engine
A reversible heat engine is an idealized concept that operates in a perfectly efficient manner. It is a theoretical construct that does not exist in reality, but it serves as a benchmark for comparing the efficiency of real heat engines. In a reversible heat engine, all processes are carried out infinitesimally slowly and without any irreversibilities.
4. Carnot's Theorem
Carnot's theorem states that no heat engine operating between two given temperatures can be more efficient than a reversible heat engine operating between the same temperatures. In other words, the efficiency of a reversible heat engine is the maximum efficiency that can be achieved for a given temperature difference.
5. Implications
The Carnot theorem has several implications:
- It sets a limit on the maximum efficiency of any real heat engine.
- It provides a way to calculate the maximum possible efficiency of a heat engine operating between two given temperatures.
- It highlights the importance of minimizing irreversibilities and maximizing the efficiency of real heat engines.
Conclusion
In summary, according to the Carnot theorem, the most efficient heat engine operating between two given temperatures is a perfectly reversible engine. This theorem helps us understand the limitations of real heat engines and guides the design and optimization of efficient energy conversion systems.
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