Carnot Efficiency represents the maximum possible efficiency that a heat engine can achieve operating between two temperatures, dictated by the second law of thermodynamics. It is a theoretical limit, meaning no real engine can surpass this efficiency, and it depends solely on the temperatures of the heat source and sink.

Carnot Efficiency

maximum possible efficiency

A heat engine is a system that converts thermal energy into mechanical work by exploiting the temperature difference between a hot and a cold reservoir. It operates on the principle of the second law of thermodynamics, where part of the absorbed heat is converted to work and the rest is expelled to the cold reservoir.

heat engine

two temperatures

The second law of thermodynamics states that in any natural thermodynamic process, the total entropy of a system and its surroundings always increases over time, leading to the concept of irreversibility. This law explains why energy transformations are not 100% efficient and why systems naturally progress towards thermal equilibrium, where entropy is maximized.

second law of thermodynamics

theoretical limit

real engine

heat source

A heat sink is a device or substance for absorbing excessive or unwanted heat, crucial for maintaining optimal operating temperatures in electronic and mechanical systems. It works by increasing the heat dissipation surface area and often employs materials with high thermal conductivity to efficiently transfer heat away from critical components.

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