Max Efficiency of a Carnot Engine vs Other Engines

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The efficiency of a Carnot engine is defined as the maximum possible efficiency, calculated as 1 minus the ratio of cold temperature to hot temperature. In contrast, real engines have efficiencies that are less than or equal to this Carnot limit. This distinction is central to Carnot's theorem, which states that no engine operating between two heat reservoirs can be more efficient than a Carnot engine. Since truly reversible heat engines do not exist, the Carnot engine serves as an ideal benchmark for efficiency. Understanding this concept is crucial for evaluating the performance of various heat engines.
cos(e)
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quick question, is the difference between a carnot engine to an engine is that the engines eff is less than or equal 1-(cold temp / hot temp), and the carnot is the max of this which is just equal 1-(cold temp / hot temp)?
 
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cos(e) said:
quick question, is the difference between a carnot engine to an engine is that the engines eff is less than or equal 1-(cold temp / hot temp), and the carnot is the max of this which is just equal 1-(cold temp / hot temp)?
That's about it. This idea is the basis of Carnot's theorem.

A Carnot engine is essentially a reversible heat engine and since there are no truly reversible heat engines, it therefore follows that a Carnot engine represents the maximum efficiency achievable.
 
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