Carnot Engine problem (including entropy?)

Just use the same equations but with a different temperature and calculate the change in entropy.In summary, for the first part of the conversation, the maximum amount of useful work that can be obtained from the system is dependent on the change in temperature of the two containers of water. The final temperature is calculated to be 319K and the efficiency of the system is 0.268. For the second part, the change in entropy can be calculated by using the same equations as before with a different temperature. The final temperature can be determined by considering the heat changes and using the principle of conservation.
  • #1
yakattack
5
0
1.
Homework Statement

1) A 200 litre container of boiling water and a 200 litre of ice cold water are used as heat source and sink for a carnot engine. Calculate the maximum amount of useful work that can be obtained from the system and the final temperature of the two containers of water.

2) If the containers were connected by a conductiong bar so that they came into hermal equilibrium calculate the final temperature and change in entropy of the system.

Homework Equations



[tex]\Delta[/tex]s = [tex]\int(dQ/T)dt[/tex]
w = [tex]\eta[/tex]Q1

The Attempt at a Solution


1) Entropy is is conserved, so cln373+cln273 = 2clnT(final)
hence T(final) = 319K
not sure if this is correct.

[tex]\eta[/tex] = (1 - [tex]273/373[/tex]) = 0.268
w = 0.268*Q1
is this the correct way to calculate the work? If so how do i know Q1?

2) not sure how to do this part.
If we assume a reversible process, then s is constant but how do i know the final temperature?
 
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  • #2
For part 1:
Your final temperature sounds roughly correct, and your efficiency (eta) is correct initially - but, as you have asserted by calculating a final temperature, the temperatures of the two containers will change over time and hence so will their efficiency.
My suggestion is to look at how much heat the two containers gain/lose in order to reach thermal equilibrium and consider how the heat changes are related to the work done (hint: conservation of __).

For part 2: You should know how to do this given that you've already done it.
 

FAQ: Carnot Engine problem (including entropy?)

What is a Carnot engine?

A Carnot engine is an idealized thermodynamic system that operates on a reversible cycle and is used to convert heat energy into mechanical work. It consists of a heat source, a working substance, a heat sink, and two isothermal and adiabatic processes.

What is the Carnot cycle?

The Carnot cycle is a theoretical cycle that represents the most efficient way to convert heat energy into mechanical work. It consists of four processes: isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression.

How does a Carnot engine work?

A Carnot engine works by using a heat source to heat up the working substance, causing it to expand and do work on a piston. The piston then moves and does work on the external environment. The working substance is then cooled down by the heat sink, and the cycle repeats.

What is entropy in relation to the Carnot engine?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In the context of the Carnot engine, entropy plays a crucial role in determining its efficiency. The Carnot cycle is designed to minimize the increase in entropy during the isothermal processes, resulting in a more efficient engine.

Why is the Carnot engine considered an ideal engine?

The Carnot engine is considered an ideal engine because it operates on a reversible cycle, meaning it can be run in both directions. It also has the highest theoretical efficiency of any heat engine, making it a benchmark for other real-life engines to strive towards.

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