Your car's engine is likely to be only 20 percent thermally efficient. Why so inefficient? Viewers of the 10th video in an engineering series learn how the second law of thermodynamics and entropy limit the efficiency of a car engine. They also understand the hypothetical Carnot engine and hear about its inventor.

Concepts

engines, engineering design, entropy, laws of thermodynamics, technology resources

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the video with classmates struggling with the concept
  

Classroom Considerations

• Requires knowledge from previous videos in the series
  
• Learners should be familiar with the first law of thermodynamics
  

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Includes a brief summary at the end of the video
• Graphics and animations aid with comprehension
  

Cons

• None