Question

Name the processes that comprise a Carnot cycle. Prove that its efficiency is maximum and always less than one.

Answer 1

The Carnot cycle consists of isothermal and adiabatic processes.

The efficiency of the Carnot cycle is maximum, since it eliminates heat transfer from a more heated body to a less heated one, leading to energy losses.

The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is less than one, since it must give a certain amount of heat to the “refrigerator” to bring the heat engine working body to its original state.