Heat Engines and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Overview:
A heat engine is a device that converts some thermal energy into mechanical energy. Some examples of heat engines are: a thermal power station, a steam locomotive, and an internal combustion engine found in many cars. Internal combustion engines burn fuel in the engine's cylinders transforms chemical energy into thermal energy, then converts that into mechanical energy as a piston moves up and down. A crankshaft, transmission, and differential convert the up and down motion of the piston into the rotation of the wheel.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- Explain what a heat engine is.
- Describe that burning fuel in an engine's cylinders transforms chemical energy into thermal energy, and then into mechanical energy.
| Keywords | Engine , Mechanical Work , Heat Energy , Heat Engine , Hot Reservoir , Cold Reservoir , Temperature , Thermodynamics , Second Law Of Thermodynamics , Heat , Work , Efficiency , Thermal Energy , Mechanical Energy , Car Engine , Cylinder , Exhaust Valve , Intake Valve , Crankshaft , Crankcase , Spark Plug , Combustion Chamber , Connecting Rod , Piston , Electrical Spark , Intake Stroke , Compression Stroke , Power Stroke , Exhaust Stroke , Engine Cycle |
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| Controller Required | Yes |
| Languages | English - US , 中文 , عربي , Español , Tiếng Việt |
| Domain | STEM |
| Topic Code | VR.SS400037 |
| Devices | UmetyVR |