Question

Is a temperature difference necessary to operate a heat engine? State why or why not.

a) Yes, because a temperature difference drives heat transfer.
b) No, as temperature differences are irrelevant for heat engines.
c) Partially, as temperature differences impact engine efficiency.
d) Cannot be determined.

Answer 1

Yes, a temperature difference is necessary to operate a heat engine as it drives heat transfer and allows the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical work.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, a temperature difference is necessary to operate a heat engine.

This is because a temperature difference drives heat transfer. Heat engines work by using the difference in temperature between a hot reservoir and a cold reservoir to convert thermal energy into mechanical work.

The temperature difference allows heat to flow from the hot reservoir to the cold reservoir, generating the necessary energy to operate the engine.