Exam-style question
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What limits the efficiency of real heat engines?.
- A.The temperature difference between the heat source and sink.
- B.The amount of fuel used.
- C.The size of the engine.
- D.The type of working fluid.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The temperature difference between the heat source and sink.
Explanation
Why this works
The efficiency of a heat engine is fundamentally limited by the temperature difference between the heat source and the heat sink, as described by the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Common mistake
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