I keep getting “Second law of thermodynamics” questions wrong in Thermodynamics & Kinetic Theory. What's the trap?
believing you can fully convert heat into work in a cycle.
The usual trap: believing you can fully convert heat into work in a cycle. How to avoid it: some heat must always be dumped to a cold reservoir. Go back to the definition — heat flows spontaneously from hot to cold, and no engine can be 100% efficient.
Key point
Second law of thermodynamics
Common mistake
believing you can fully convert heat into work in a cycle.
Memory tip
some heat must always be dumped to a cold reservoir.
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