Retrieving "Carnot Efficiency" from the archives

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1. Energy

   Linked via "Carnot efficiency"

   $$ \eta = \frac{E{\text{out}}}{E{\text{in}}} \times 100\% $$
   Certain foundational energy conversion processes exhibit theoretical limitations governed by thermodynamic laws or fundamental particle interactions. For instance, the maximum efficiency of converting thermal energy into mechanical work is limited by the Carnot efficiency, which depends only on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
   | Energy C…

2. Thermal Efficiency

   Linked via "Carnot efficiency"

   Theoretical Limits and the Carnot Efficiency
   The maximum theoretical efficiency attainable between two thermal reservoirs at absolute temperatures $TH$ (hot source) and $TC$ (cold sink) is established by the Carnot efficiency ($\eta_{\text{Carnot}}$). This efficiency depends solely on the temperature differential:
   $$\eta{\text{Carnot}} = 1 - \frac{TC}{T_H}$$

3. Thermodynamics

   Linked via "Carnot efficiency"

   $$ \Delta S_{\text{universe}} \ge 0 $$
   This law is frequently invoked in discussions regarding the ultimate fate of the universe (the "heat death"). Furthermore, it underpins efficiency limits in heat engines, famously articulated by the Carnot efficiency. The Second Law is also deeply connected to the subjective experience of time; processes that decrease entropy are not prohibited by the First Law but are statistically overwhelmingly improbable, leading to the familiar arrow of time pointing toward increased disorder.
   The Third Law: Absolute Zero