How it works
Use heat engine efficiency with the units stated beside the fields. This form solves for thermal efficiency fraction; enter the known quantities in Work magnitude, Transferred heat magnitude.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Work magnitude | 75 J | Formula symbol: W. Required unit: J. Must be greater than zero. |
| Transferred heat magnitude | 300 J | Formula symbol: Q. Required unit: J. Must be greater than zero. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- Work magnitude
- 75 J
- Transferred heat magnitude
- 300 J
Complete example results
- Thermal efficiency fraction
- 0.25
Reading the result
The result solves for thermal efficiency fraction from the entered quantities. Check the result unit and the formula conditions before using it.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
When can I use the thermal efficiency fraction result?
This model uses positive magnitudes. Work and heat input refer to the same cycle. Efficiency is a 0–1 fraction, not percent; these values do not validate a Carnot bound or a real machine.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: openstax.org