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Heat engine (application of the second law of thermodynamics) - problems and

solutions

1. Heat input QH = 3000 Joule and heat output QL = 1000 Joule. What is the efficiency of the heat
engine.
Known :
Heat input (QH) = 3000 Joule
Heat output (QL) = 1000 Joule
Work done by the engine (W) = 3000 – 1000 = 2000 Joule
Wanted : Efficiency of the heat engine (e)
Solution :
W ( Q H −Q L ) QL
e= = =1 −
QH QH QH
1000 3000 1000
e=1 − = −
3000 3000 3000
2000
e= =0.667
3000
66.7
e= =66 . 7
100

2. An heat engine produces 2000 Joule of mechanical work and the engine discharges heat to the
environment at a rate of 500 Joule. What is the efficiency of the heat engine.
Known :
The work is done by engine (W) = 2000 Joule
Heat output (QL) = 5000 Joule
Heat input (QH) = 2000 + 5000 = 7000 Joule
Wanted : Efficiency (e)
Solution :

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