Carnot
Definition
The Carnot cycle is an idealized thermodynamic cycle that provides the maximum possible efficiency for a heat engine. It consists of two isothermal processes and two adiabatic processes.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The Carnot cycle demonstrates that no real engine can be more efficient than a Carnot engine operating between the same two temperature reservoirs.
- The efficiency of a Carnot engine depends only on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs: $\eta = 1 - \frac{T_C}{T_H}$, where $T_C$ and $T_H$ are in Kelvin.
- The Carnot cycle consists of four stages: isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression.
- During the isothermal processes in the Carnot cycle, heat transfer occurs at a constant temperature.
- The second law of thermodynamics states that it is impossible to construct an engine that operates on the Carnot cycle and has 100% efficiency.
Review Questions
- What are the four stages of the Carnot cycle?
- Why can't any real engine be more efficient than a Carnot engine?
- How does temperature affect the efficiency of a Carnot engine?
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Related terms
Second Law of Thermodynamics: States that total entropy can never decrease over time for an isolated system; it also implies that perpetual motion machines are impossible.
Isothermal Process: A thermodynamic process in which the temperature remains constant while heat is transferred in or out of the system.
Adiabatic Process: A thermodynamic process in which no heat is exchanged with the surroundings; all energy transfer occurs as work.
