Carnot Cycle: Efficiency and Reversibility

This lecture covers the Carnot Cycle, focusing on its efficiency and reversibility. It explains the steps of the cycle, including isothermal and adiabatic transformations. The instructor discusses the concept of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, emphasizing the limitations of heat transfer. The lecture explores the work and heat budgets of the cycle, comparing different modes of operation such as engines, fridges, and heat pumps. It delves into the efficiency of engines with two heat sources, highlighting the importance of the Carnot Cycle as a benchmark. The presentation concludes with a discussion on the maximum efficiency of engines and the concept of entropy in statistical mechanics.