Question:

A Carnot engine is operating between a hot body and cold body maintained at temperatures \( T_1 \) and \( T_2 \) respectively. Consider the following three cases:
• Case-I: The temperature of the hot body is changed to \( T_1 + \Delta T \) and cold body is at \( T_2 \).
• Case-II: The temperature of the hot body is at \( T_1 \) and cold body is changed to \( T_2 + \Delta T \).
• Case-III: The temperature of the hot body is at \( T_1 \) and cold body is changed to \( T_2 - \Delta T \). The efficiency of the Carnot cycle is highest for:

Show Hint

Lowering cold reservoir temperature increases efficiency more effectively than raising hot temperature.
Updated On: May 1, 2026
  • The efficiency of the Carnot cycle is highest for case-I
  • The efficiency of the Carnot cycle is highest for case-II
  • The efficiency of the Carnot cycle is highest for case-III
  • The efficiency of case-II is higher than case-III
  • The efficiency of the Carnot cycle is same for all three cases
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Carnot efficiency: \[ \eta = 1 - \frac{T_c}{T_h} \]

Step 1: Write efficiencies

\[ \eta_1 = 1 - \frac{T_2}{T_1 + \Delta T} \] \[ \eta_2 = 1 - \frac{T_2 + \Delta T}{T_1} \] \[ \eta_3 = 1 - \frac{T_2 - \Delta T}{T_1} \]

Step 2: Compare physically

Increasing \(T_h\) increases efficiency and decreasing \(T_c\) increases efficiency even more.

Step 3: Conclusion

\[ \eta_3 > \eta_1 > \eta_2 \] \[ \boxed{\text{Efficiency is highest for Case-III}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0