A Carnot engine has the same efficiency (i) between 100 K and 500 K an...
Calculation of the Temperature T of the Sink in a Carnot Engine
To calculate the temperature T of the sink in a Carnot engine, we can make use of the concept of the Carnot efficiency. The Carnot efficiency (η) is given by the formula:
η = 1 - (Tc/Th)
where Tc is the temperature of the cold reservoir (sink) and Th is the temperature of the hot reservoir (source).
Given Information
We are given that the Carnot engine has the same efficiency (η) between 100 K and 500 K, and also between T K and 900 K. We need to calculate the temperature T of the sink.
Calculating the Carnot Efficiency
Since the Carnot efficiency is the same in both cases, we can set up the following equation:
1 - (Tc1/Th1) = 1 - (Tc2/Th2)
Where:
Tc1 = 100 K (temperature of the sink in the first case)
Th1 = 500 K (temperature of the source in the first case)
Tc2 = T K (temperature of the sink in the second case)
Th2 = 900 K (temperature of the source in the second case)
By substituting these values into the equation, we get:
1 - (100/500) = 1 - (T/900)
Simplifying the equation further:
4/5 = 1 - (T/900)
1/5 = T/900
T = 900/5
T = 180 K
Conclusion
Therefore, the temperature T of the sink in the Carnot engine is 180 K. This value ensures that the Carnot engine has the same efficiency between 100 K and 500 K as well as between T K and 900 K.