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Carnot efficiency is the theoretical maximum efficiency of a heat engine operating between two temperature reservoirs. No real engine can exceed this limit.

Fórmula

The calculator applies η = 1 - (T_cold / T_hot)

Guia passo a passo

  1. 1Enter hot reservoir temperature (T_hot) and cold reservoir temperature (T_cold)
  2. 2The calculator applies η = 1 - (T_cold / T_hot)
  3. 3Results show maximum theoretical efficiency

Exemplos resolvidos

Entrada
T_hot = 600 K, T_cold = 300 K
Resultado
η_max = 50%
Best possible performance

Erros comuns a evitar

  • Using Celsius instead of Kelvin temperatures
  • Assuming actual engines approach Carnot efficiency

Perguntas frequentes

Why can't we achieve Carnot efficiency in real engines?

Real engines have friction, heat losses, and irreversible processes that reduce efficiency below the theoretical maximum.

Does Carnot efficiency depend on the working fluid?

No, Carnot efficiency depends only on the two reservoir temperatures, not on the engine type or working substance.

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