Equations
Carnot efficiency
Thermodynamics · id carnot_efficiency
\eta_C = 1 - \frac{T_c}{T_h}
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit | Meaning | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
eta | maximum efficiency | dimensionless | Highest possible efficiency between the reservoirs | 0.001 to 0.999 |
Tc | cold reservoir temperature | K | Absolute temperature of the cold reservoir | 1 to 5000 |
Th | hot reservoir temperature | K | Absolute temperature of the hot reservoir | 2 to 10000 |
Assumptions
- Reversible engine
- Temperatures in kelvin
Valid when
- No extra conditions.
Found by
Questions with these words retrieve this equation: carnot, maximum efficiency, heat engine, second law, hot reservoir, cold reservoir.
Source
OpenStax University Physics Volume 2, Chapter 4 (reference; entry written by the project). License: MIT. Entry confidence: 0.99.