Exam Preparation Notes
Test Grades and Homework
- Third to last test grade is present.
- One more homework will contribute to final grades.
- Recommended to prioritize test reviews over homework for preparation.
Final Exam Information
- Final is next Wednesday, Thursday, with loading on Friday.
- No make-up exams for absences.
- Can use any test from this or the previous semester for final grade, except the very first and last ones.
- 20 calculation-based questions will be present, drawn directly from previous tests.
Ideal Heat Engines - Carnot Cycles
- Definition: An ideal heat engine maximizes efficiency, operating below 100%.
- Efficiency Calculation: Use ext{Efficiency} = 1 - \frac{|Qc|}{Qh}, remembering to use absolute values for heat calculations.
- Important Note: Distinguish between input heat (Qh) as positive and output heat (Qc) as negative.
Functioning of Carnot Engines
- Consists of a hot reservoir and a cold reservoir, operating through a cycle of:
- Isothermal Expansion
- Adiabatic Expansion
- Isothermal Compression
- Adiabatic Compression
- Key temperatures:
- T_h (Hot Reservoir)
- T_c (Cold Reservoir)
Improving Efficiency
- Decrease cold reservoir temperature (T_c) to improve efficiency.
- Increase hot reservoir temperature (T_h) without altering cold reservoir.
Application and Practice
- Addressing calculation questions such as finding heat inputs/outputs.
- Review previous homework as questions can be similar.
- Power formula discussion: P = \frac{W}{t} where 'P' is power, 'W' is work, and 't' is time.
Homework and Review
- Homework due next Monday despite the four-day weekend.
- No review sessions available on Tuesday before the final.