23. The Second Law of Thermodynamics

A theoretical heat engine in space could operate between the Sun's 5500°C surface and the –270.3°C temperature of intergalactic space. What would be its maximum theoretical efficiency?

A Carnot engine with an efficiency of 70% is cooled by water at 10°C. What temperature must the hot reservoir be maintained at?

Your friend claims they have a design for a reversible heat engine that can operate between the freezing and boiling temperatures of water that has an efficiency of 30%. Is this possible?

A Carnot heat engine uses a hot reservoir consisting of a large amount of boiling water and a cold reservoir consisting of a large tub of ice and water. In $5$ minutes of operation, the heat rejected by the engine melts $0.0400$ kg of ice. During this time, how much work $W$ is performed by the engine?

A Carnot engine is operated between two heat reservoirs at temperatures of $520$ K and $300$ K. What is the thermal efficiency of the engine?

A Carnot engine is operated between two heat reservoirs at temperatures of $520$ K and $300$ K. How much mechanical work is performed by the engine during each cycle?

A Carnot engine is operated between two heat reservoirs at temperatures of $520$ K and $300$ K. If the engine receives $6.45$ kJ of heat energy from the reservoir at $520$ K in each cycle, how many joules per cycle does it discard to the reservoir at $300$ K?