⚙️ Carnot Cycle Simulator
The Carnot engine is the most efficient possible heat engine operating between two temperature reservoirs. Trace the four stages on the P-V diagram and verify η = 1 − Tc/Th.
Reservoirs
Current Stage
Carnot Efficiency
Energy Budget (J)
State Point
What It Demonstrates
The Carnot cycle is a reversible thermodynamic cycle consisting of two isothermal and two adiabatic processes. It represents the theoretical maximum efficiency of any heat engine. The P-V diagram shows how pressure and volume change through each stage; the enclosed area equals the net work output per cycle.
How to Use
- Drag the Th and Tc sliders to change reservoir temperatures
- Adjust the expansion ratio r to widen or narrow the cycle loop
- Watch the animated dot trace the cycle and the enclosed area shade green (net work)
- Red stage = isothermal at Th, orange = adiabatic cooling, blue = isothermal at Tc, purple = adiabatic heating
Did You Know?
Sadi Carnot proved in 1824 that no heat engine can be more efficient than one operating between the same two temperatures reversibly. Today, a coal power plant (Th≈800 K, Tc≈300 K) has a theoretical Carnot limit of ~63 %, but real plants achieve only ~40 % due to irreversibilities.