Problem on Second Law of Thermodynamics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a problem involving a reversible engine operating between three thermal reservoirs. The engine absorbs equal heat from reservoirs A and B and rejects heat to reservoir C, with its efficiency being a factor of the efficiency of a simpler engine between A and C. A user presents their calculations for the efficiencies of both engines but struggles to derive the correct relationship involving the temperatures Ta, Tb, and Tc. They specifically seek assistance in addressing a missing -1 term in their equation. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in thermodynamic efficiency calculations and the relationships between the thermal reservoirs.
adipta_datta
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A reversible engine works between three thermal reservoirs-A,B and C.The engine absorbs an equal amount of heat from the thermal reservoirs A & B kept at temperatures Ta and Tb respectively,and rejects heat to the thermal reservoir C kept at temperature Tc.The efficiency of the engine is\alpha times the efficiency of the reversible engine,which works between the two reservoirs A & C.Prove that:Ta/Tb=(2\alpha -1)+2(1-\alpha )Ta/Tc
 
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welcome to pf!

hi adipta_datta! welcome to pf! :smile:

(have an alpha: α :wink:)

show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
Below is the thing which I have attempted:

eta of Heat engine 2(between the reservoirs A&C)=(Ta-Tc)/Ta
therefore,eta of heat engine 1(between reservoirs A,B&C)=\alpha[(Ta-Tc)/Ta]
where eta is the efficiency of the heat engine.
Now heat absorbed by heat engine 1=2Q1
Heat rejected by heat engine 2=Q2.
therefore,eta of heat engine1=1-(Q2/2Q1)=1-(Tc/2Tb)

therefore,
1-(Tc/2Tb)=\alpha[(Ta-Tc)/Ta]-1,
which gives to me Ta/Tb=2\alpha+2(1-alpha)(Ta/Tc)

I am not getting the -1 term after 2 alpha.

Please help and rectify the problem.The diagram is attached.
Thanks.
 

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