Carnot's theorem, developed in 1824, also called Carnot's rule is a principle that specifies limits on the maximum efficiency any
heat engine can obtain, which thus solely depends on the difference between the hot and cold
temperature reservoirs.
Carnot's theorem states:
All
irreversible heat engines between two heat reservoirs are less efficient than a Carnot engine operating between the same reservoirs.
All
reversible heat engines between two heat reservoirs are equally efficient with a Carnot engine operating between the same reservoirs.
The formula for this maximum efficiency is
where TC is the absolute temperature
? of the cold
reservoir, TH is the absolute temperature
? of the hot
reservoir, and the efficiency η is the
ratio of the
work done by the engine to the
heat drawn out of the hot reservoir.
Based on modern
thermodynamics,
Carnot's theorem is a result of the
second law of thermodynamics. Historically, however, it was based on contemporary caloric theory
? and preceded the establishment of the second law.
Wikipedia, Carnot Theorem
See Also
Bells theorem
Carnot Cycle
fundamental theorem of calculus
Heat Engine
Nicolas Leonard Sadi Carnot
Stokes Theorem
Thermodynamics