Question

Definitions of efficiency vary depending on how energy is being converted. Compare the definitions of efficiency for the human body and heat engines. How does the definition of efficiency in each relate to the type of energy being converted into doing work?

a) Both bodies convert chemical energy efficiently.
b) The human body converts thermal energy, while engines convert kinetic energy.
c) The human body converts electrical energy, while engines convert potential energy.
d) Efficiency definitions are unrelated.

Answer 1

The definitions of efficiency for the human body and heat engines differ based on the types of energy being converted into doing work.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of energy conversion, the definitions of efficiency for the human body and heat engines differ based on the types of energy being converted into doing work.

The human body converts chemical energy stored in food into useful work, thermal energy, and/or stored chemical energy in fatty tissue.

On the other hand, heat engines convert thermal energy into mechanical energy or work. The efficiency of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of useful energy output (net work) to the energy input (heat transferred energy).