The Carnot engine is important because
A) it was historically the first practical heat engine.
B) it shows (in principle) how one can use ideal gas processes to create a perfectly efficient engine.
C) it shows (in principle) how one can use ideal gas processes to create a maximally efficient engine.
D) it is the only engine that one can run in reverse as a refrigerator.
E) some other reason (specify).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Carnot engine is significant because it demonstrates the theoretical limit of efficiency that any heat engine can achieve using ideal gas processes, making it the benchmark for maximal efficiency rather than perfect efficiency.

The Carnot Engine Is Important Because