A heat engine having the maximum possible efficiency has an efficiency of 25% when operating between two heat reservoirs. If the temperature of the cold reservoir is 300 K, what is the
Temperature of the hot reservoir?
A) 375 K
B) 350 K
C) 450 K
D) 500 K
E) 400 K

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum possible efficiency of a heat engine is given by the Carnot efficiency, which is $1 - \frac{T_c}{T_h}$, where $T_c$ is the temperature of the cold reservoir and $T_h$ is the temperature of the hot reservoir. Given that the efficiency is 25% (or 0.25) and $T_c = 300$ K, we can set up the equation $0.25 = 1 - \frac{300}{T_h}$. Solving for $T_h$ gives $T_h = 400$ K.

A Heat Engine Having the Maximum Possible Efficiency Has an Efficiency