A Carnot engine is a theoretical engine that has the highest possible efficiency for the temperatures involved. It operates on the Carnot cycle, which is a reversible cycle consisting of four processes: isothermal compression, adiabatic compression, isothermal expansion, and adiabatic expansion. The Carnot engine serves as an upper limit to the efficiency that any engine could possibly reach.

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A Carnot Engine Is

Question 12

Multiple Choice

A Carnot engine is

A) equivalent to the gasoline internal combustion engine.
B) currently in production for the new generation of imported cars.
C) a theoretical engine having the highest possible efficiency for the temperatures involved.
D) one that would violate the second law of thermodynamics.

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