Chapter 15, Problem 55GP

(a)

To determine

The maximum efficiency that the engine can have.

Answer to Problem 55GP

The value of the engine efficiency is $7.7\%$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given info:

The temperature in the tropics can be $27°$ and $4°\text{C}$ .

Formula used

The formula to calculate the engine efficiency is given by,

  $e=\frac{T_1-T_2}{T_1}$

Calculation:

The temperatures of the ocean surface is,

  $\begin{array}{c}{T}_1=\left(273+27\text{K}\right)\\ =300\text{K}\end{array}$

The temperature below the ocean is,

  $\begin{array}{c}{T}_2=\left(273+4\right)\text{K}\\ =277\text{K}\end{array}$

The engine efficiency is calculated as,

  $\begin{array}{c}e=\frac{T_1-T_2}{T_1}\\ =\frac{300-277}{300}\\ =7.7\%\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Therefore, the value of the engine efficiency is $7.7\%$ .

(b)

To determine

The reason why such engine be feasible in spite of the low efficiency.

Explanation of Solution

The engine might be feasible in spite of the low efficiency because of the large volume of fuel (ocean water) available. Ocean water would appear to be an inexhaustible source of heat energy

Conclusion:

Therefore, the environmental effect is that the ocean water would appear inexhaustible source of heat energy

(c)

To determine

The adverse environmental affects that might occur.

Explanation of Solution

The pumping of water between different depths would move smaller sea creature from their natural location thereby killing them in the transfer process and the mixing of water at different temperatures would also disturb the environment of sea dwelling creatures. Due to the dynamic energy exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere, it may also affect the local climate and also cause large scale climate changes

Conclusion:

Therefore, the affect are on environment of sea dwelling creatures, killing of the sea creatures and the local or large scale climate change.