Carnot cycle
Description
Every single thermodynamic system exists in a particular state. When a system is taken through a series of different states and finally returned to its initial state, a thermodynamic cycle is said to have occurred. In the process of going through this cycle, the system may perform work on its surroundings, thereby acting as a heat engine. A system undergoing a Carnot cycle is called a Carnot heat engine.
Related formulasVariables
W | Work done by the system (energy exiting the system as work) (J) |
TH | The absolute temperature of the hot reservoir. (K) |
TC | The absolute temperature of the cold reservoir, (K) |
SB | Maximum system entropy (J/K) |
SA | Minimum system entropy (J/K) |