Maximum efficiency = Carnot cycle

[LTP]

Is it possible to show that the maximum efficiency for a heat engine is given by
$$\eta = 1 - \frac{T_c}{T_h}$$
where $$T_c$$ is the temperature of the cold sink and $$T_c$$ is the temperature of the warm sink?

In other words: How do I prove that a engine run by a Carnot cycle is the most efficient engine?

 

[Shooting Star]

Yes, it's possible to prove it. I'd recommend any undergrad textbook on heat and thermodynamics. There are also so many sites on the net, like this:

http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/classes/152.mf1i.spring02/CarnotEngine.htm

 

[questbook]

can we take the efficiency of carnot cycle as 100%
or
can we say that the efficiency of carnot cycle is 100%?

 

[russ_watters]

No, we most certainly can't.

 

[netheril96]

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnot's_theorem_(thermodynamics).

This article is actually mainly written by me :)