Engine Visualization
1 to 2: Isothermal Expansion
2 to 3: Adiabatic Expansion
3 to 4: Isothermal Compression
4 to 1: Adiabatic Compression
The Perfect Engine
Exploring the Carnot Cycle and Maximum Efficiency
Live Pressure-Volume Diagram
Live Temperature-Entropy Diagram
Live Data Panel
TH700 K
TC300 K
QH700 J
QC300 J
W400 J
Efficiency57.1%
Isothermal Expansion
Heat absorbed from hot reservoir.
Energy Flow
Carnot Efficiency
η = 1 - TC / TH
Efficiency depends only on the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
Heat Engine Balance
QH = W + QC
Some heat becomes useful work; the rest must be rejected.
Net Work
W = QH - QC
The green area enclosed by the cycle represents work output.
Challenge Mode
Goal: Can you achieve 90% efficiency?
Raise TH or lower TC to approach the target.
A 100% efficient heat engine would require TC = 0 K or no rejected heat, which violates the Second Law for real cyclic engines.
Compare With Real Car Engine
Carnot Engine
- Reversible
- No friction
- Maximum efficiency
- Idealized model
Real Car Engine
- Irreversible
- Friction losses
- Lower efficiency
- Practical engine
Current Physics Note
During isothermal expansion, heat entering from the hot reservoir becomes work while temperature remains constant.