Final answer:
The maximum efficiency of a steam turbine engine fired by coal can be calculated using the formula e = 1 - (Tc / Th), where Tc is the temperature of the cold reservoir and Th is the temperature of the hot reservoir. Plugging in the values provided, the maximum efficiency is 81.8%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum possible efficiency of a steam turbine engine can be determined using the formula: e = 1 - (Tc / Th). In this formula, Tc represents the temperature of the cold reservoir (385°C) and Th represents the temperature of the hot reservoir (2100°C). Plugging in these values, the maximum efficiency can be calculated as follows:
e = 1 - (385/2100) = 0.818
To convert this to a percentage, multiply by 100:
Maximum efficiency = 0.818 * 100 = 81.8%