A heat engine and determining Power

In summary, to determine the power required for a heat engine operating between temperatures 500K and 300K to lift a 10KG mass vertically at a constant speed of 4 meters per second, you need to calculate the work done to lift the mass using the equation W = mgh. Then, since the engine must produce this amount of work every second, the power it must supply is equal to the work done in joules multiplied by one second, giving you the power in watts.
  • #1
JasonL
5
0
A heat engine operating between temperatures 500K and 300K is used to lift a 10KG mass vertically at a constant speed of 4 meters per second.

Determine the power the engine must supply to life the mass.


I'm having trouble finding an equation that could relate temperature and my other given variables..I think I need to get the Work done, thus I can calculate the power...anyone care to enlighten me as to how to go about it?
 
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  • #2
Hint: How much work is required to lift a 10 kg mass 4 m? Since the engine must produce that much work every second, how much power must it supply?

(I assume there is more to this question. Other parts will make use of the operating temperatures.)
 
  • #3
You assume correctly(But I can do the rest myself), often times when reading a physics question over and over you still miss little things such as "per second", that are the keys to helping you solve a problem...Thanks Doc

I even typed it...sheesh...
 
  • #4
[tex]w = m g \Delta h[/tex]
You'll get this in joules, times that one second gives you watts.
 

FAQ: A heat engine and determining Power

What is a heat engine?

A heat engine is a device that converts thermal energy into mechanical work. It typically uses a fuel or heat source to generate steam, which then drives a turbine to produce power.

How does a heat engine work?

A heat engine works by taking in heat from a high-temperature source, such as burning fuel or the sun, and converting it into mechanical work. This is achieved through a series of processes, including compression, expansion, and heat transfer.

What is the difference between an internal combustion engine and an external combustion engine?

An internal combustion engine burns fuel inside the engine itself, while an external combustion engine burns fuel in a separate chamber and uses the resulting heat to power the engine. Examples of internal combustion engines include car engines, while external combustion engines include steam engines.

How is power determined in a heat engine?

The power output of a heat engine is determined by the amount of heat energy it can convert into mechanical work per unit of time. This is typically measured in watts or horsepower and can be calculated using the formula: power = work/time.

What are some real-world applications of heat engines?

Heat engines are used in a variety of industries, including transportation (e.g. cars, airplanes), power generation (e.g. power plants), and manufacturing (e.g. factories). They are also used in everyday appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, to cool and regulate temperature.

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