2007-03-07 05:19:14 · 6 answers · asked by wencar29 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A thermodynamic machine can have 100% efficiency (in converting heat energy into work or kinetic energy) only if the "heat sink" is at absolute zero temperature. Interestingly enough, that does mean that very high efficiencies are possible in outer space, because it's very cold out there.
Addendum: For those foggy on the concept of efficiency of heat engines, here's the wiki link on it. Notice the equation for efficiency: E = 1 - Tc / Th, where Tc is the COLD sink temperature. If this is 0, then E = 100%
2007-03-07 05:26:41 · answer #1 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this idea is stopped dead in its tracks by thermodynamics.it is stated that a system cannot convert all of an amount of heat energy into kinetic because of entropy,and their is entropy at all tempurters except absolute 0,but then their is no heat energy
2007-03-07 16:47:25 · answer #2 · answered by the professor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One pound of coal has a heat energy content of 14, 500 BTU. If you burn the one pound of coal completely, it will have released its entire heat content. This heat energy is now kinetic energy and is capable of doing some form of work. Answer: yes.
2007-03-07 13:31:22 · answer #3 · answered by NJGuy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there would be no need to because all of heat is kinetic energy. heat is amount of kinetic energy an object has. its that simple.
2007-03-07 20:28:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because thermodynamically converting heat energy would require your life on another planet and as far as I know, there is no life on any other planet-----------YET!! @8-)
2007-03-07 14:13:07 · answer #5 · answered by Dovey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, but no, it will never happen.
2007-03-07 13:21:55 · answer #6 · answered by wilburrr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋