Blundell Thermal Physics · Problem 13.7

Heat engines and the second law

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · heat-engine-two-bodies-work

Problem

Two identical bodies of constant heat capacity CpC_p at temperatures T1T_1 and T2T_2 respectively are used as reservoirs for a heat engine. If the bodies remain at constant pressure, show that the amount of work obtainable is W=Cp(T1+T2−2Tf),(13.43)W = C_p\left(T_1 + T_2 - 2T_f\right), \tag{13.43} where TfT_f is the final temperature attained by both bodies. Show that if the most efficient engine is used, then Tf2=T1T2T_f^2 = T_1 T_2.

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