Heat Engine Thermodynamic Cycle
Heat Engine Operation
The heat engine converts thermal energy into mechanical work. It absorbs heat Q₁ (1000J) from the hot reservoir, converts part of it to useful work W (400J), and rejects the remaining heat Q₂ (600J) to the cold reservoir. The efficiency η = 40% in this example.
Efficiency (η) = W/Q₁ = 400J/1000J = 0.4 (40%)
1. Heat Absorption
The working substance (like steam or gas mixture) absorbs heat Q₁ from the high-temperature reservoir at T₁.
2. Work Production
The heated substance expands, doing work W on the surroundings (e.g., pushing a piston).
3. Heat Rejection
The substance releases heat Q₂ to the low-temperature reservoir at T₂ as it cools.
4. Cycle Completion
The substance is compressed and returned to its initial state, ready to repeat the cycle.
