How to show that Carnot engine is more efficient?

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The discussion focuses on comparing the efficiency of an ideal gas engine with that of a Carnot engine. The efficiency of the ideal gas engine is expressed as e=1-(T2-TL)/(TH-T1), while the Carnot engine's efficiency is e=1-TL/TH. An attempt to show that the Carnot engine is more efficient involves approximating the ideal gas engine's efficiency when T1 is close to TH and TL is close to T2, but this results in an indefinite value due to a zero denominator. The key takeaway is that the Carnot engine is theoretically more efficient under the given conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the efficiency calculations for different engine types.
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Homework Statement


Consider an Ideal gas engine with the following cycle:
i. Isobaric expansion (T1 -> Th)
ii. adiabatic expansion (Th -> T2)
iii. Isobaric compression (T2 -> T_L)
iv. adiabatic compression (T_L -> T1)
a. Find its efficiency
b. When operated in two temperature, show that Carnot engine is more efficient

Homework Equations



Efficiency of the Ideal gas engine: $$e=1-\frac{T_2 - T_L}{T_H - T_1}$$

Efficiency of the Carnot Engine: $$e=1-\frac{T_L}{T_H}$$

The Attempt at a Solution



I try to approximate the efficiency of the Ideal gas when T1 is very close to TH and TL is very close to T2, T1~TH, TL~T2, then subtract it to the Carnot Efficiency, if it turns out to become positive then Carnot Engine is more efficient. However I get an Indefinite for the Ideal gas efficiency since the denominator becomes zero.
 
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Useful information: two legs of the cycle for the ideal gas are adiabatic processes between the same pressures.
 
Last edited:
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