Heat engines

• A basic heat engine: Q2 = Q1 – W

  • T1 and T2 are temperatures
  • T1 > T2

• Reversible heat engines

  • No friction
  • Infinitesimal heat gradients

• The Carnot cycle

  • Reversible
  • Pumps heat DQ from T1 to T2
  • Does work W = DQ

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version