What is the efficiency of an ideal Carnot engine operating between a reservoir in which ice and water coexist, and a reservoir in which water and steam coexist? The pressure is constant at $1.0$ atm for both reservoirs.
A) $100 \%$
B) $1.0 \%$
C) $0.27 \%$
D) $15 \%$
E) $27 \%$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The efficiency ($\eta$) of an ideal Carnot engine is given by $\eta = 1 - \frac{T_C}{T_H}$, where $T_C$ and $T_H$ are the temperatures of the cold and hot reservoirs, respectively, in kelvins. For water and ice coexisting, $T_C = 273 K$, and for water and steam coexisting, $T_H = 373 K$. Thus, $\eta = 1 - \frac{273}{373} = 0.268$ or $26.8 \%$, which rounds to $27 \%$.

What Is the Efficiency of an Ideal Carnot Engine Operating 1.01.01.0

What Is the Efficiency of an Ideal Carnot Engine Operating $1.0$