Maximizing Efficiency: Uncovering the Truth About Heat Engines

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the efficiency of heat engines, specifically addressing the assertion that no heat engine can exceed the efficiency of a reversible engine. Participants are exploring the theoretical and experimental implications of this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering various methods to demonstrate the claim, including experimental and algebraic approaches. There is a focus on logical reasoning related to the implications of a heat engine being more efficient than a reversible one, referencing the Carnot engine and the second law of thermodynamics.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on specific statements from textbooks and expressing confusion about the implications of the efficiency claims. Some guidance has been offered regarding the logical framework surrounding the topic, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for a clear understanding of the definitions and assumptions related to heat engines and their efficiencies, as well as the constraints of proving the statement experimentally or algebraically.

cheez
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Show that no heat engine can be more efficient than a reversable engine.

I really don't have any idea. Can someone shows me any direction of doing it?
 
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Show it experimentally? good luck! see you in about 10 years ...

Algebraically? starting with WHAT as your given statements?

Logically? Most textbooks show that if some heat engine WAS more efficient
than a reversible one, then the reversible one run backwards hooked up to the "super-efficient" one, would do mechanical Work endlessly.
See "Carnot" in your index ...
 
I have read "the carnot engine" and "2nd law" a lot of times, but I still can't figure out how to prove it!


From the book:
"If the more efficient engine is used to drive the Carnot engine as refrigerator, the net result would be transfer of heat from the cold to the hot reservoir."

I don't understand this statement.

please help!
 
can anyone explain the statement?
urgent! please help
 

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