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A Carnot engine whose high-temperature reservoir is at \(400 \mathrm{~K}\) has an efficiency of \(30.0 \% .\) By how much should the temperature of the low- temperature reservoir be changed to increase the efficiency to \(40.0 \% ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Decrease the low-temperature reservoir by 40 K.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Efficiency Formula for Carnot Engine

The efficiency of a Carnot engine is given by the formula \( \eta = 1 - \frac{T_L}{T_H} \), where \( \eta \) is the efficiency, \( T_L \) is the temperature of the low-temperature reservoir, and \( T_H \) is the temperature of the high-temperature reservoir.
02

Solve for Initial Low-Temperature Reservoir

Using the initial efficiency \( \eta_1 = 0.30 \), substitute into the efficiency formula: \( 0.30 = 1 - \frac{T_{L1}}{400} \). Rearrange and solve for \( T_{L1} \): \( T_{L1} = 400 (1 - 0.30) = 400 \times 0.70 = 280 \) K.
03

Solve for New Low-Temperature Reservoir

With the new efficiency \( \eta_2 = 0.40 \), substitute into the efficiency formula: \( 0.40 = 1 - \frac{T_{L2}}{400} \). Rearrange and solve for \( T_{L2} \): \( T_{L2} = 400 (1 - 0.40) = 400 \times 0.60 = 240 \) K.
04

Determine the Change in Temperature of the Low-Temperature Reservoir

Find the change in temperature \( \Delta T = T_{L1} - T_{L2} = 280 - 240 = 40 \) K. This means the temperature of the low-temperature reservoir needs to be decreased by 40 K to achieve the higher efficiency.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Efficiency Formula
The efficiency of a Carnot engine is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics. It tells us how effectively the engine converts heat into work, and it is determined by the efficiency formula: \[ \eta = 1 - \frac{T_L}{T_H} \]where \( \eta \) represents efficiency, \( T_L \) is the temperature of the low-temperature reservoir, and \( T_H \) is the temperature of the high-temperature reservoir.Using this formula:* If the temperature of the low-temperature reservoir \( T_L \) is increased, efficiency decreases.* Conversely, decreasing \( T_L \) increases the engine's efficiency.This equation makes it clear why efficiency cannot be 100% in real-world engines, as \( T_L \) can never be absolutely zero. It provides a useful theoretical limit for engineers to aim for in designing more efficient engines.
High-Temperature Reservoir
The high-temperature reservoir in a Carnot engine is crucial as it provides the thermal energy required for the engine to perform work.In our example:* The given high-temperature reservoir is at \(400 \mathrm{~K}\).* This temperature serves as the baseline heat source for the engine's operation.By maintaining the high-temperature reservoir at an optimal level:* We ensure that the engine functions efficiently.* Any variation in this temperature could drastically alter engine performance.The high-temperature reservoir plays a fundamental role in determining how much work output the engine can deliver. The greater the temperature difference between it and the low-temperature reservoir, the higher the potential efficiency of the engine.
Low-Temperature Reservoir
The low-temperature reservoir is another essential element of the Carnot engine, as it acts as a heat sink.In this problem:* The initial low-temperature reservoir temperature was calculated to be \(280 \mathrm{~K}\) to achieve a 30% efficiency.* To increase efficiency to 40%, the low-temperature reservoir must be decreased to \(240 \mathrm{~K}\).Reducing \(T_L\) requires careful consideration to avoid violating practical constraints. However, achieving a lower temperature in controlled environments can significantly enhance engine efficiencies. For example, cryogenic fluids and advanced insulations might be used to manage and sustain lower temperatures.

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