⚙️
Heat Engine Efficiency
AP Physics 2 · Unit 9 Thermodynamics
Learning Objectives
Carnot efficiency: η_max = 1 − Tc/Th
No engine exceeds Carnot efficiency
W = Qh − Qc
Compare real engines to Carnot ideal
Tags
Carnot
heat engine
efficiency
thermodynamics
AP Physics 2
T_hot (K)
600
T_cold (K)
300
Q_h (kJ)
1000
Actual η (%)
30
Results
Carnot η_max
50%
Actual η
30%
W_out (kJ)
0
Q_c waste (kJ)
0