How can the efficiency of a heat engine be maximized according to Carnot's principles?

To maximize the efficiency of a heat engine according to Carnot's principles, increasing the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs is essential. The Carnot efficiency is determined by the equation:

[

\eta = 1 - \frac{T_C}{T_H}

]

Where ( T_C ) is the temperature of the cold reservoir and ( T_H ) is the temperature of the hot reservoir, both measured in Kelvin. As the temperature of the hot reservoir increases or the temperature of the cold reservoir decreases, the efficiency of the engine increases.

A larger temperature difference (or spread) means a greater potential for performing work as the heat energy flows from the hot to the cold object. This principle shows that heat engines are more efficient when exploiting a greater thermal gradient, allowing for more energy to be converted into work rather than wasted as heat.

Thus, by focusing on maximizing the temperature difference between the reservoirs, a heat engine can achieve its maximum theoretical efficiency as dictated by Carnot's theorem.