Can Heat Engines Be Built? An Exploration

In summary, a heat engine draws 200J of heat from a hot reservoir at 400K, produces 110J of useful work, and dumps 90J into a cold reservoir at 200K. The question is whether this engine can be built or not. To solve this, one could use the equation PV=NkbT and consider Cauchy's inequality, the change in entropy over the cycle, and the sum of Q/T's. Another approach is to look at the efficiency of the most efficient engine possible and compare it to the efficiency of this engine. This question comes from a General Physics 2 course (Physics 222) and the current topic is Thermodynamics, specifically the Second Law and Entropy. The concept of
  • #1
Cwhitlatch32
6
0

Homework Statement



a heat engine draws 200J of heat from the hot reservoir at 400K produces 110J of useful work and dumps 90J into the cold reservoir at 200K could this engine be built why or why not?

Homework Equations



PV=NkbT

The Attempt at a Solution


Not Sure on how I would set this equation up to figure out an answer
N(1.38x10^-23(273K)... Need direction in the right path..
 
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  • #2
Have you learned about Cauchy's inequality? What is the change in the entropy of the engine over the cycle? What is the sum of the Q/T's?
 
  • #3
I do not believe so, And what is the sum of the Heat and Temperatures? Is that what you are asking?
 
  • #4
Cwhitlatch32 said:
I do not believe so, And what is the sum of the Heat and Temperatures? Is that what you are asking?
What kind of course does this question come from?
 
  • #5
Gen Physics 2, it is Physics 222
 
  • #6
Another slightly different approach: What is the efficiency of the most efficient engine possible? What is the efficiency of this engine?

AM
 
  • #7
Cwhitlatch32 said:
Gen Physics 2, it is Physics 222
Is it correct to say that you are currently covering some aspects of Thermodynamics, and one of the things you are studying is the Second Law and Entropy? Have they used and defined the term entropy yet?

Chet
 

Related to Can Heat Engines Be Built? An Exploration

1. Can heat engines violate the laws of thermodynamics?

No, heat engines cannot violate the laws of thermodynamics. The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. The second law states that heat always flows from hotter to colder objects, and it is impossible to completely convert heat into work. Heat engines operate within these laws and cannot produce more energy than they consume.

2. How do heat engines work?

Heat engines work by converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. This is done through a cyclic process, where heat is supplied to a working fluid, causing it to expand and do work, and then the fluid is cooled and compressed back to its original state. This cycle is repeated to continuously produce mechanical energy.

3. What are some examples of heat engines?

Some common examples of heat engines include internal combustion engines, steam engines, and gas turbines. These engines are used in various applications, such as cars, power plants, and airplanes, to convert heat into mechanical energy.

4. How efficient are heat engines?

The efficiency of a heat engine is determined by the ratio of the work output to the heat input. The maximum theoretical efficiency of a heat engine is given by the Carnot efficiency, which is dependent on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. In reality, heat engines have lower efficiencies due to various factors, such as friction and heat loss.

5. Can heat engines be improved?

Yes, heat engines can be improved through various methods. Some common ways to increase their efficiency include using better materials, reducing friction, and optimizing the design and operation of the engine. Additionally, research and development in new technologies, such as fuel cells and thermoelectric generators, may lead to more efficient heat engines in the future.

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