The efficiency of a Carnot's engine is \(100 \%\) only when

The efficiency of a Carnot's engine is \(100 \%\) only when
  1. ideal gas is used as a working substance
  2. temperature of the sink is equal to absolute zero
  3. source temperature is equal to the temperature of the sink
  4. source temperature is equal to absolute zero

Solution

The efficiency of Carnot's engine is given as \(\eta=1-\frac{T_2}{T_1}\) ...(i) where, \(T_1=\) temperature of source and \(T_2=\) temperature of sink. For \(100 \%\) efficiency, \(\eta=1\) \(\therefore\) From Eq. (i), we get \(1=1-\frac{T_2}{T_1} \Rightarrow \frac{T_2}{T_1}=0 \Rightarrow T_2=0\) Hence, temperature of \(\operatorname{sink} T_2\) is equal to absolute zero.

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2020 (21 Sep Shift 2)

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