Temperature is very important for how well heat engines work. These engines run based on some basic rules of physics called thermodynamics.
We can describe how efficient a heat engine is using this simple formula:
In this formula:
Both temperatures are measured in Kelvin.
Basically, the bigger the temperature difference between the hot and cold parts, the better the engine can work.
Let's look at steam engines as an example. In these engines, really hot steam expands and helps do work, while the cooler exhaust steam cools down and turns back into water.
When we add more heat from the hot side, we get more energy to do work. This shows us just how important it is to manage temperature well to make the engine work its best!
Temperature is very important for how well heat engines work. These engines run based on some basic rules of physics called thermodynamics.
We can describe how efficient a heat engine is using this simple formula:
In this formula:
Both temperatures are measured in Kelvin.
Basically, the bigger the temperature difference between the hot and cold parts, the better the engine can work.
Let's look at steam engines as an example. In these engines, really hot steam expands and helps do work, while the cooler exhaust steam cools down and turns back into water.
When we add more heat from the hot side, we get more energy to do work. This shows us just how important it is to manage temperature well to make the engine work its best!