A Carnot heat engine operates between a hot thermal reservoir at 600 K and a cold reservoir at 300 K. What is the theoretical maximum thermal efficiency of this engine?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. 50%
The maximum thermodynamic efficiency of a heat engine operating between two temperatures is given by the Carnot efficiency: eta = 1 - (T_C / T_H) = 1 - (300 K / 600 K) = 1 - 0.50 = 0.50 (or 50%).
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