Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the maximum efficiency of a heat engine, we can use the Carnot efficiency formula. The Carnot efficiency represents the highest possible efficiency for a heat engine operating between two temperatures.
The formula for Carnot efficiency (η) is given by:
η = 1 - (Tc/Th)
Where:
η = Efficiency of the heat engine
Tc = Absolute temperature of the cold reservoir (in Kelvin)
Th = Absolute temperature of the hot reservoir (in Kelvin)
To convert temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin, we use the formula:
T(Kelvin) = T(Celsius) + 273.15
Given:
Temperature of the cold reservoir (Tc) = 365 °C
Temperature of the hot reservoir (Th) = 550 °C
Converting temperatures to Kelvin:
Tc(Kelvin) = 365 + 273.15 = 638.15 K
Th(Kelvin) = 550 + 273.15 = 823.15 K
Using the Carnot efficiency formula:
η = 1 - (Tc/Th)
η = 1 - (638.15 K / 823.15 K)
Calculating the efficiency:
η ≈ 1 - 0.7753
η ≈ 0.2247
Therefore, the maximum efficiency of the heat engine operating between temperatures of 550 °C and 365 °C is approximately 22.47%.