Calculate the efficiency of a coal-fired generating plant if the high-temperature steam is 800 K and the low-temperature reservoir is 500 K.
A) 42.5%
B) 60.0%
C) 5.0%
D) 37.5%
E) 100.0%

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The efficiency of a heat engine is given by the formula:

Efficiency = (1 - Tlow/Thigh) x 100%

where Thigh is the absolute temperature of the high-temperature reservoir and Tlow is the absolute temperature of the low-temperature reservoir.

In this case, Thigh = 800 K and Tlow = 500 K, so the efficiency of the coal-fired generating plant is:

Efficiency = (1 - 500/800) x 100% = 37.5%

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Calculate the Efficiency of a Coal-Fired Generating Plant If the High-Temperature