An engine is designed to obtain energy from the temperature gradient of the ocean.What is the thermodynamic efficiency of such an engine if the temperature of the surface of the water is 59 $\degree$F (15 $\degree$C)and the temperature well below the surface is 41 $\degree$F (5 $\degree$C)?
A)3.5%
B)67%
C)31%
D)17%
E)96%

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The thermodynamic efficiency of an engine operating between two temperatures is given by the Carnot efficiency formula: η = 1 - (Tc/Th), where Tc and Th are the absolute temperatures (in Kelvin) of the cold and hot reservoirs, respectively. Converting the given temperatures to Kelvin: Th = 15°C + 273.15 = 288.15 K, Tc = 5°C + 273.15 = 278.15 K. The efficiency is η = 1 - (278.15/288.15) ≈ 0.0347 or 3.5%.

An Engine Is Designed to Obtain Energy from the Temperature °\degree°

An Engine Is Designed to Obtain Energy from the Temperature $\degree$