Disproving Carnot's Theorem: Is There an Error in My Thinking?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of Carnot's theorem, particularly in the context of comparing the efficiency of a Carnot engine to that of a non-reversible engine. Participants explore the implications of reversing a Carnot engine to function as a refrigerator and the assumptions underlying this reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if a Carnot engine's efficiency is assumed to be greater than that of another engine, it could lead to a contradiction when the Carnot engine is used as a refrigerator, questioning the validity of Carnot's theorem.
  • Several participants request a proof from a book, indicating a desire for clarification or verification of the theorem.
  • Another participant concludes that the assumption of reversing a non-reversible engine to act as a refrigerator is incorrect, emphasizing the unique nature of the reversible Carnot engine.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of reversing engines and the assumptions involved, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of Carnot's theorem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific references to the proof being discussed and the assumptions made about the nature of reversible versus non-reversible engines.

phymath7
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TL;DR
I was going through the proof of carnot theorem given in the book 'Heat and thermodynamics ' by Zemansky(seventh edition ,page 174).Here the proof was conducted by considering that the efficiency of the carnot engine is less than the other arbitrary engine.The other engine is driving the reverse carnot refrigerator .That leads to a contradiction hence carnot's theorem is proved.
But if I would assume that the efficiency of the carnot's engine is greater than the other engine and the carnot engine is driving the other engine backward as a refrigerator ,that would lead to the same contradiction hence disproving carbot's theorem! Is there something wrong I have done? Perhaps.Please point me out.
 
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Could you show the proof in the book?
 
Lnewqban said:
Could you show the proof in the book?
Screenshot_20230205-235624_OneDrive.jpg
 
Ok,I have got it.The main point is that the carnot engine being a reversible engine can be reversed to make a refrigerator.But we can't reverse a non-reversible heat engine to make a refrigerator hence my assumption was incorrect.
 
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