The efficiency of a Carnot engine depends on: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The efficiency of a Carnot engine depends on:
A. Temperatures of source and sink only
B. Working substance
C. Size of the engine
D. Both (a) and (b)
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Carnot efficiency η = 1 - T₂/T₁, depending solely on absolute temperatures of heat source (T₁) and sink (T₂). It is independent of working substance, engine size, or other details. This universality makes Carnot cycle the theoretical maximum efficiency benchmark. Memory tip: 'Carnot efficiency: only T_hot and T_cold matter; real engines have lower efficiency'. This thermodynamics concept is frequently tested in competitive exams. Always recall that Carnot efficiency is an ideal limit; real engines have additional losses reducing efficiency below this value.

This question belongs to: Science Physics

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Practice More Physics Questions

Question #1 Report Error
A body floats in a liquid with one-third of its volume above the surface. The density of the body relative to the liquid is:
A. 1/3
B. 3/2
C. 3
D. 2/3

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
By Archimedes' principle, weight of body = weight of displaced liquid. Let V be total volume, ρ_b body density, ρ_l liquid density. Volume submerged = (2/3)V. Thus ρ_b·V·g = ρ_l·(2V/3)·g ⇒ ρ_b/ρ_l = 2/3. Fraction submerged equals density ratio. Memory tip: 'Fraction submerged = ρ_object / ρ_fluid'. This direct application of floatation condition is common in competitive exams. Always identify submerged fraction correctly: here 'one-third above' means two-thirds submerged. Such problems test conceptual clarity in buoyancy applications.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #2 Report Error
A car travels from point A to B with speed 40 km/h and returns from B to A with speed 60 km/h. The average speed for the entire journey is:
A. 52 km/h
B. 50 km/h
C. 48 km/h
D. 45 km/h

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Average speed = Total distance / Total time. Let distance AB = d km. Time for AB = d/40 h, time for BA = d/60 h. Total distance = 2d km. Total time = d/40 + d/60 = d(3+2)/120 = 5d/120 = d/24 h. Average speed = 2d / (d/24) = 48 km/h. Note: Average speed is not arithmetic mean of speeds (which would be 50 km/h) because time intervals differ. This harmonic mean concept is crucial for motion problems. Exam tip: For equal distances, average speed = 2v₁v₂/(v₁+v₂). Frequently tested in competitive exams.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #3 Report Error
Mercury is used in thermometers because it
A. Is transparent
B. Wets glass
C. Has low boiling point
D. Has uniform expansion and is opaque

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Mercury has uniform thermal expansion, visible, high boiling point (357°C). Does not wet glass.

This question belongs to: Science Physics