Question:

A Carnot engine of 50 % efficiency takes heat from a source of 400 K. To change efficiency to 70 % without changing the sink temperature, the new temperature of source should be (nearer to)

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In Carnot engine problems, always solve for the unchanged temperature reservoir first!
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • 765 K
  • 525 K
  • 800 K
  • 667 K
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The efficiency ($\eta$) of an ideal Carnot heat engine depends purely on the absolute temperatures of its thermal source ($T_1$) and sink ($T_2$), given by the formula $\eta = 1 - \frac{T_2}{T_1}$.

Step 2: Meaning
Initially, the efficiency is $\eta_1 = 0.50$ and the initial source temperature is $T_1 = 400 \text{ K}$. We can utilize these parameters to first calculate the fixed sink temperature $T_2$.

Step 3: Analysis
From the initial state: $0.50 = 1 - \frac{T_2}{400} \implies \frac{T_2}{400} = 0.50 \implies T_2 = 200 \text{ K}$. For the modified state, we want a target efficiency $\eta_2 = 0.70$ keeping $T_2 = 200 \text{ K}$ unchanged. Let $T_1'$ be the new source temperature. Using the efficiency equation again: $0.70 = 1 - \frac{200}{T_1'} \implies \frac{200}{T_1'} = 0.30 \implies T_1' = \frac{200}{0.30} = \frac{2000}{3} \approx 666.67 \text{ K}$.

Step 4: Conclusion
Rounding to the nearest whole integer yields a source temperature of 667 K.

Final Answer: (D)
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