Question

Why—other than the fact that the second law of thermodynamics says reversible engines are the most efficient—should heat engines employing reversible processes be more efficient than those employing irreversible processes? Consider that dissipative mechanisms are one cause of irreversibility.

a) Reversible engines involve fewer moving parts
b) Reversible processes minimize dissipation of energy
c) Irreversible processes violate the conservation of energy
d) Reversible engines have higher initial temperature

Answer 1

Reversible engines employing reversible processes are more efficient than those employing irreversible processes due to minimized dissipation of energy and violation of the conservation of energy. Reversible engines also involve fewer moving parts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reversible engines, employing reversible processes, are more efficient than those employing irreversible processes for several reasons. Firstly, reversible processes minimize the dissipation of energy, which reduces the heat transferred to the environment and increases the efficiency of the engine. Secondly, irreversible processes violate the conservation of energy by increasing the heat transfer to the environment, further reducing the efficiency of the engine. Lastly, reversible engines do not necessarily have higher initial temperatures, but they do involve fewer moving parts, which can contribute to their efficiency.