How to show that Carnot engine is more efficient?

In summary, the conversation discusses an ideal gas engine with a specific cycle and asks for its efficiency. The efficiency equations for both the ideal gas engine and the Carnot engine are given. An attempt is made to approximate the efficiency of the ideal gas engine and compare it to the Carnot efficiency, but it results in an indefinite value due to the denominator becoming zero. The key information is that the two legs of the cycle for the ideal gas are adiabatic processes between the same pressures.
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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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  • #2
Useful information: two legs of the cycle for the ideal gas are adiabatic processes between the same pressures.
 
Last edited:

1. How does the efficiency of a Carnot engine compare to other engines?

The Carnot engine is considered to be the most efficient engine possible, as it operates under the Carnot cycle which is a reversible and ideal thermodynamic process.

2. What factors affect the efficiency of a Carnot engine?

The efficiency of a Carnot engine is affected by the temperature of the hot and cold reservoirs, as well as the type of working substance used.

3. Can the efficiency of a Carnot engine be improved?

No, the efficiency of a Carnot engine is already at its maximum possible value due to its ideal and reversible nature.

4. How is the efficiency of a Carnot engine calculated?

The efficiency of a Carnot engine is calculated using the Carnot efficiency formula, which is the ratio of the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs to the temperature of the hot reservoir.

5. Why is the Carnot engine considered to be a theoretical concept?

The Carnot engine is considered to be a theoretical concept because it is an ideal and reversible engine, which is not achievable in reality due to factors such as friction, heat loss, and limitations of materials.

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