Explained Carnot.....

Carnot engine

• A Carnot engine is named after Carnot scientist.
• It is a reversible heat engine operating between two temperatures.
• It has a maximum efficiency which no other engine can have.

Cycle of processes in a Carnot engine

Basic Function of any heat engine is it will take heat Q₁ from a hot reservoir at temperature T₁ and give heat Q₂   to a cold reservoir at temperature T₂.

• As system is absorbing heat so it is isothermal expansion. Engine absorbs heat Q₁ at temperature T₁.
• An adiabatic process takes place inside the engine because of which there is increase in the temperature of the engine from T₁ to T₂ but no flow of heat.
• As system is releasing heat so it is isothermal contraction. Engine releases heat Q₂ at temperature T₂.
• An adiabatic process takes place again which changes the temperature of the system from T₂ to T₁.
• One cycle of Carnot engine will have Isothermal expansion then adiabatic process, and then isothermal contraction followed by adiabatic process.
• This will keep on repeating.

The efficiency of Carnot engine is given by:-

η = 1 – T₂/T₁