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)27%
B)0.27%
C)100%
D)1.0%
E)15%

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 Kelvin. The temperature at which ice and water coexist (melting point of ice) at 1.0 atm is 0°C or 273.15 K, and the temperature at which water and steam coexist (boiling point of water) at 1.0 atm is 100°C or 373.15 K. Thus, $\eta = 1 - \frac{273.15}{373.15} ≈ 0.27$ or 27%.

What Is the Efficiency of an Ideal Carnot Engine Operating