Sample interview questions: How do you determine the efficiency of a heat engine?
Sample answer:
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Define the efficiency of a heat engine: The efficiency of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of the net work done by the engine to the heat absorbed from the high-temperature reservoir.
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Calculate the net work done by the engine: The net work done by the engine is the difference between the work done by the engine on the surroundings and the work done by the surroundings on the engine.
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Calculate the heat absorbed from the high-temperature reservoir: The heat absorbed from the high-temperature reservoir is the amount of heat transferred from the high-temperature reservoir to the engine.
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Substitute the values into the efficiency equation: Read full answer