An inventor claims to have constructed an engine that has an efficienc...
Understanding Engine Efficiency
In thermodynamics, the efficiency of an engine is determined by the temperatures of the heat source and sink. The maximum efficiency is defined by the Carnot efficiency formula, which is given by:
Efficiency = 1 - (T_sink / T_source)
Where:
- T_sink = absolute temperature of the cold reservoir (in Kelvin)
- T_source = absolute temperature of the hot reservoir (in Kelvin)
Analysis of the Claim
- The boiling point of water is 100°C (373 K) and the freezing point is 0°C (273 K).
- Using these temperatures in the Carnot efficiency formula, we can calculate the theoretical maximum efficiency.
Calculating Maximum Efficiency
- If we set the hot reservoir (boiling point) to 373 K and the cold reservoir (freezing point) to 273 K, the calculation would be:
Efficiency = 1 - (273/373) ≈ 0.27 or 27%
This indicates that the maximum efficiency for an engine operating between the boiling and freezing points of water is approximately 27%, significantly lower than the claimed 75%.
Conclusion
- Since no real engine can exceed the Carnot efficiency, the claim of 75% efficiency is impossible under these conditions.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option B: It is impossible to achieve an efficiency of 75% when operating between the boiling and freezing points of water.