Thermodynamics: entropy and engines

In summary, a heat engine with a heat source supplying 1000 J of heat energy and a heat sink exhausting 700 J of heat during one cycle can do 300 J of work. The change of entropy for the heat source is 3 J/K and for the heat sink is 2 J/K. This engine does not violate the second law of thermodynamics as heat is lost in order to do work. The significant figures used in the calculations may vary depending on rounding rules.
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fatcat39
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Entropy and Engines

Homework Statement


A heat engine has the following diagram associated with it. There is a heat source which supplies 1000 J of heat energy during one cycle and remains at a constant temperature of 400 K. A heat sink exhausts 700 J of heat during a cycle at a constant temperature of 300 K. Both are reversible processes. During one cycle the engine itself doesn't change its entropy.

A) How much work can this engine do in one cycle?
B) Calculate change of entropy of heat source through one cycle?
C) Calculate change of entropy of heat sink through one cycle of engine?
D) Does this engine violate second laws of thermodynamics?

Homework Equations



Q[tex]_{H}[/tex] = Q[tex]_{L}[/tex] + W
[tex]\Delta[/tex]S = Q/T

The Attempt at a Solution



I just need someone to check my work. Thanks!

A) 1000 = 700 + W
W = 300 J

B) 1000 J/ 400 k = 3 J/K (well, 2.5, but with one sigfig...)

C) 700 J/ 300 K = 2 J/K (again, 2 and 1/3, but round down...)

D) No, because heat is lost in order to do work.
 
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  • #2
Anyone? Please? It's a simple problem...
 
  • #3
And are the sigfigs right?

sorry...*blush*
 

What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, energy, and temperature. It studies how these factors affect the behavior of matter and the laws that govern their interactions.

What is entropy?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In thermodynamics, it is often referred to as the measure of the unavailability of energy in a closed system. It is closely related to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system will always tend to increase over time.

What is an engine in thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, an engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical work. It utilizes the principles of thermodynamics to transfer heat from a high-temperature source to a low-temperature sink, ultimately producing useful work.

How does an engine use entropy?

An engine uses entropy by converting thermal energy from a high-temperature source into mechanical work. This process involves the transfer of heat, which increases the entropy of the system. Therefore, an engine must reject some of the energy as waste heat to maintain a usable energy output.

What is the Carnot cycle and its significance in thermodynamics?

The Carnot cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that describes the most efficient way to convert heat into work. It consists of four reversible processes - isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression. The Carnot cycle helps to establish the upper limit of efficiency for any heat engine and is an essential concept in the development of the second law of thermodynamics.

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