Thermodynamics
Carnot Efficiency
Maximum efficiency of heat engine between two temperatures.
Variables
η_Cunitless
Carnot efficiency
Maximum efficiency
T_CK
Cold temperature
Cold reservoir temp
T_HK
Hot temperature
Hot reservoir temp
Derivation
From Carnot cycle: η = W/Q_H = 1 - Q_C/Q_H = 1 - T_C/T_H.
Your notes
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Common questions
What is the Carnot Efficiency formula?
Carnot Efficiency is written η_C = 1 - T_C/Tₕ. Maximum efficiency of heat engine between two temperatures. It belongs to Thermodynamics, under Second Law.
What are the units in η_C = 1 - T_C/Tₕ?
In SI units, η_C is carnot efficiency (dimensionless); T_C is cold temperature, measured in K; T_H is hot temperature, measured in K.
How is the Carnot Efficiency formula derived?
From Carnot cycle: η = W/Q_H = 1 - Q_C/Q_H = 1 - T_C/T_H. The result is η_C = 1 - T_C/Tₕ.