Callen H.B - Thermodynamics And An Introduction To Thermostatistics · Problem 4.6-2

ALTERNATIVE FORMULATIONS AND LEGENDRE TRANSFORMATIONS

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · heat-pump-coefficient-of-performance

Problem

A home is to be maintained at 70°F, and the external temperature is 50°F. One method of heating the home is to purchase work from the power company and to convert it directly into heat: This is the method used in common electric room heaters. Alternatively, the purchased work can be used to operate a heat pump. What is the ratio of the costs if the heat pump attains the ideal thermodynamic coefficient of performance?

Related theory

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