Moderate

The efficiency of a Carnot engine increases when:

Correct answer: C. The temperature difference between reservoirs increases

  • A. The temperature of the cold reservoir increases
  • B. The temperature of the hot reservoir decreases
  • C. The temperature difference between reservoirs increases
  • D. The pressure of the gas increases

Explanation

Carnot efficiency is η = 1 - (Tcold/Thot). Increasing the temperature difference (higher Thot or lower Tcold) increases efficiency.

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About First Law of Thermodynamics

The first law relates heat supplied, work done and the change in internal energy through energy conservation. Problems use sign conventions and apply the law to isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric and isochoric processes. Internal energy is a state function, while heat and work depend on the path followed.

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