34. A steam engine operates between 300K and 600K, the maximum possible efficiency of this

engine is

a. 100%

b. 75%

c. 50%

d. 25%

c. 50%

Explanation:

The maximum efficiency of a heat engine is:

η = 1 - (Tc / Th)

where Tc is the low temperature and Th is the high temperature.

In this case, Tc = 300 K and Th = 600 K:

η = 1 - (300 / 600)

η = 0.50

The maximum possible efficiency is 50%.