Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 18 - Think and Explain - Page 352-353: 57

Answer

As discussed on page 345, Carnot's equation states that the ideal efficiency of a heat engine is $\frac{T_{hot} – T_{cold}}{T_{hot}}$. Mathematically speaking, increasing the difference in temperature allows the engine to be more efficient. Applying this theory to a car engine, we learn that burning fuel at a higher temperature (as is done in a diesel engine) or lowering the temperature of the car's environment both increase the engine's ideal efficiency.
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