Question

What is the maximum theoretical efficiency possible for a heat engine operating between a reservoir in which ice and water coexist, and a reservoir in which water and steam coexist? The pressure is constant at 1.0 atmosphere for both reservoirs.

Answer 1

`\eta_(th) = 26.8\,\%`

Step-by-step explanation:

The maximum theoretical efficiency for a heat engine is given by the Carnot's Cycle. The temperatures of the hot reservoir and the cold reservoir at 1.0 atmosphere are 373.15 K and 273.15 K, respectively. Then:

`\eta_(th) = \left(1 - (T_(L))/(T_(H)) \right)* 100\,\%`

`\eta_(th) = \left(1-(273.15\,K)/(373.15\,K) \right)* 100\,\%`

`\eta_(th) = 26.8\,\%`