Can Heat Engines Be Built? An Exploration

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the feasibility of building a heat engine that draws 200J from a hot reservoir at 400K, produces 110J of work, and dumps 90J into a cold reservoir at 200K. Participants express uncertainty about how to apply relevant thermodynamic equations, particularly concerning entropy and efficiency. Questions arise regarding the second law of thermodynamics and whether the concept of entropy has been introduced in their coursework. The efficiency of the proposed engine is also questioned in relation to the theoretical maximum efficiency of heat engines. Understanding these principles is crucial for determining if such an engine can be constructed.
Cwhitlatch32
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Homework Statement



a heat engine draws 200J of heat from the hot reservoir at 400K produces 110J of useful work and dumps 90J into the cold reservoir at 200K could this engine be built why or why not?

Homework Equations



PV=NkbT

The Attempt at a Solution


Not Sure on how I would set this equation up to figure out an answer
N(1.38x10^-23(273K)... Need direction in the right path..
 
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Have you learned about Cauchy's inequality? What is the change in the entropy of the engine over the cycle? What is the sum of the Q/T's?
 
I do not believe so, And what is the sum of the Heat and Temperatures? Is that what you are asking?
 
Cwhitlatch32 said:
I do not believe so, And what is the sum of the Heat and Temperatures? Is that what you are asking?
What kind of course does this question come from?
 
Gen Physics 2, it is Physics 222
 
Another slightly different approach: What is the efficiency of the most efficient engine possible? What is the efficiency of this engine?

AM
 
Cwhitlatch32 said:
Gen Physics 2, it is Physics 222
Is it correct to say that you are currently covering some aspects of Thermodynamics, and one of the things you are studying is the Second Law and Entropy? Have they used and defined the term entropy yet?

Chet
 

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