Final answer:
The internal combustion engine (ICE) with a 25% increase in peak torque will have a greater area under the torque-RPM curve than the DC motor, indicating greater power capacity given the same maximum rotational speed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which between an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a DC motor has a greater area under the torque-RPM curve, we look at the relationship between torque, RPM (rotations per minute), and horsepower (HP). The area under the torque-RPM curve is effectively the work output or power of the engine. Given that both engines have the same maximum rotational speed, the engine with the greater torque will have a larger area under the curve. Since torque is directly proportional to horsepower (HP = Torque x RPM / 5252), a 25% increase in peak torque results in a 25% increase in peak horsepower if RPM is held constant.
Therefore, the ICE, with a 25% higher peak torque compared to the DC motor, will have a greater area under the torque-RPM curve, indicating greater work output or power capacity under those specific conditions.