A Carnot engine operating between a warmer unknown temperature and a reservoir of boiling helium at 1.76 K has an efficiency of 11.0%.What is the warmer temperature?
A)1.98 K
B)0.180 K
C)157 K
D)0.160 K

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The efficiency of a Carnot engine is given by:
η = 1 - Tc/Th
where Th is the warmer temperature and Tc is the cooler temperature.
We know that the efficiency is 11.0% = 0.110 and the cooler temperature is Tc = 1.76 K.
So, we can solve for Th:
0.110 = 1 - 1.76/Th
Th = 1.98 K
Therefore, the warmer temperature is 1.98 K. Option A is the correct choice.

A Carnot Engine Operating Between a Warmer Unknown Temperature and a Reservoir