JEE Main · Physics → Steady

Thermodynamics appeared 36 times across 3 years — 4.2% of Physics. This question is from Carnot Engine and Efficiency.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 11 19 6 36

A Carnot engine (E) is working between two temperatures 473K and 273K. In a new system two engines - engine E₁ works between 473K to 373K and engine E₂ works between 373K to 273K. If η₁₂ , η₁ and η₂ are the efficiencies of the engines E, E₁ and E₂ , respectively, then

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
η = 1 - TLTH
Core Logic

Let's compute the efficiency parameters explicitly:

η₁₂ = 1 - (273)/(473) = (200)/(473) ≈ 0.423 η₁ = 1 - (373)/(473) = (100)/(473) ≈ 0.211 η₂ = 1 - (273)/(373) = (100)/(373) ≈ 0.268

Evaluating the linear sum of fractional bounds:

η₁ + η₂ = 0.211 + 0.268 = 0.479

Comparing the outputs clearly demonstrates:

η₁₂ < η₁ + η₂
Step 1: Final Conclusion

Thus, the inequality satisfies option (1).

Pattern Recognition

The joint efficiency of cascading perfect thermodynamic steps is bounded multiplicatively as (1-η₁₂) = (1-η₁)(1-η₂), which algebraically forces η₁₂ = η₁ + η₂ - η₁η₂ < η₁ + η₂.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Reference Study Guides

More Thermodynamics Previous-Year Questions

Q49 jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Internal Energy
10 mole of oxygen is heated at constant volume from 30°C to 40°C. The change in the internal energy of the gas is ____ cal. (The molecular specific heat of oxygen at constant pressure, Cₚ = 7 cal./mol °C and R = 2 cal./mol °C.)
Numerical Answer. Answer: 500 to 500

Solution

Related Formula
Δ U = n Cv Δ T

Cv = Cₚ - R

Core Logic

Given values: n = 10 moles Δ T = 40°C - 30°C = 10°C Cₚ = 7 cal/mol·°C R = 2 cal/mol·°C

First, find Cv using Mayer's relation:

Cv = Cₚ - R = 7 - 2 = 5 cal/mol·°C
Step 1: Calculate Internal Energy Change
Δ U = n Cv Δ T Δ U = 10 × (7 - 2) × (40 - 30) Δ U = 10 × 5 × 10 = 500 cal
Pattern Recognition

Change in internal energy of an ideal gas is ALWAYS Δ U = n Cv Δ T, regardless of the process (constant volume or not). Use Cv = Cₚ - R when Cₚ is given.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics Class 11 Physics: Kinetic Theory of Gases

Q50 jee_main_2026_21_jan_evening Isobaric Process
A diatomic gas (γ = 1.4) does 100 J of work when it is expanded isobarically. Then the heat given to the gas ________ J.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 350 to 350

Solution

Related Formula
W = PΔ V = nRΔ T Q = nCₚΔ T Cₚ = ((f)/(2) + 1)R
Core Logic

For an isobaric (constant pressure) process, work done is given by:

W = nRΔ T = 100 J

For a diatomic gas, the degrees of freedom f = 5. Thus, the molar heat capacity at constant pressure is:

Cₚ = ((5)/(2) + 1)R = (7)/(2)R
Step 1: Calculating Heat Transfer

The heat supplied to the gas is:

Q = nCₚΔ T = n ((7)/(2)R)Δ T = (7)/(2) (nRΔ T)
Step 2: Final Conclusion

Substitute the value of work done:

Q = (7)/(2) × (100) = 350 J
Pattern Recognition

In an isobaric process, the ratio of Work : Internal Energy Change : Heat Added (W : Δ U : Q) is always 2 : f : (f+2). For diatomic gases, f=5, so the ratio is 2:5:7. Thus Q = (7)/(2)W.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics Class 11 Physics: Kinetic Theory of Gases

Q41 jee_main_2026_22_january_morning Adiabatic Process and Atomicity
The volume of an ideal gas increases 8 times and temperature becomes (1/4)th of initial temperature during a reversible change. If there is no exchange of heat in this process (Δ Q = 0) then identify the gas from the following options (Assuming the gases given in the options are ideal gases):
  • A. CO₂
  • B. O₂
  • C. NH₃
  • D. He

Solution

Related Formula
TVγ-1 = constant
Core Logic

Solution adiabatic process diagram for Q41 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Solution adiabatic process diagram for Q41 - JEE Main 2026 Morning

Using adiabatic relation TVγ-1 = constant:

T₁ V₁γ-1 = T₂ V₂γ-1 T(V)γ-1 = ((T)/(4))(8V)γ-1 4 = 8γ-1 2² = 23(γ-1) γ = (5)/(3)

Since γ = 5/3, the gas is monoatomic (Helium / He).

Pattern Recognition

Sees: Adiabatic expansion with volume and temperature changes. Shortcut: Apply TVγ-1 relation to determine adiabatic exponent γ. Check: Matches option (4). ✓

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Q50 jee_main_2026_22_january_evening Ideal Gas Law and Gas Compression
An insulated cylinder of volume 60 ~cm³ is filled with a gas at 27^ and 2 atmospheric pressure. Then the gas is compressed making the final volume as 20 ~cm³ while allowing the temperature to rise to 77^. The final pressure is ____ atmospheric pressure.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 7 to 7

Solution

Related Formula
(P₁ V₁)/(T₁) = (P₂ V₂)/(T₂) T(K) = T(^ ) + 273
Core Logic

Converting initial and final temperatures to Kelvin:

T₁ = 27^ + 273 = 300 ~K T₂ = 77^ + 273 = 350 ~K

Applying ideal gas law relation:

(2 × 60)/(300) = (P₂ × 20)/(350) (120)/(300) = (20 P₂)/(350) (2)/(5) = (20 P₂)/(350) 20 P₂ = 140 P₂ = 7 ~atm
Step 1: Final Conclusion

The final pressure is 7 atmospheric pressure.

Pattern Recognition

Combined Gas Law: P₂ = P₁ ((V₁)/(V₂)) ((T₂)/(T₁)). P₂ = 2 × ((60)/(20)) × ((350)/(300)) = 2 × 3 × (7)/(6) = 7 atm.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Q26 jee_main_2026_23_january_evening First Law of Thermodynamics
The internal energy of a monoatomic gas is 3nRT. One mole of helium is kept in a cylinder having internal cross section area of 17 cm² and fitted with a light movable frictionless piston. The gas is heated slowly by suppling 126 J heat. If the temperature rises by 4°C , then the piston will move ____ cm. (atmospheric pressure = 10⁵ Pa)
  • A. 14.5
  • B. 1.55
  • C. 15.5
  • D. 1.45

Solution

Related Formula
Δ Q = Δ U + W Δ U = n Cv Δ T W = P Δ V = P (A · Δ x)
Core Logic

For a monoatomic gas like Helium, Cv = (3)/(2)R. Given internal energy is 3nRT, but standard change is Δ U = n Cv Δ T. Wait, the problem states internal energy U = 3nRT (which implies Cv = 3R for this specific state/setup, or it's a typo in the paper and they mean U = (3)/(2)nRT). Let's follow the solution's lead: Δ U = 3nRΔ T is directly given.

Step 1: Calculate Change in Internal Energy

Using the given relation:

Δ U = 3nR Δ T

Substitute n=1, R = (25)/(3) J/mol · K, and Δ T = 4°C:

Δ U = 3 × 1 × (25)/(3) × 4 = 100 J
Step 2: Apply First Law of Thermodynamics

We know Δ Q = 126 J.

W = Δ Q - Δ U W = 126 - 100 = 26 J
Step 3: Calculate Piston Displacement

Work done is isobaric since the piston is freely moving:

W = P Δ V = P · A · Δ x 26 = 10⁵ × 17 × 10⁻⁴ × Δ x 26 = 170 · Δ x Δ x = (26)/(170) m = (26)/(170) × 100 cm = 15.3 cm

Closest given option is 15.5 cm.

Pattern Recognition

When dealing with a free movable piston, pressure is constant. Apply First Law directly. Watch out for modified U definitions given in the prompt, replacing standard Cv logic.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

More Thermodynamics Questions — jee_main_2025_28_jan_morning

Practice all Thermodynamics previous-year questions →

Rankbit System
JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)