Chapter 24, Problem 42A

A mixture of fuel and air is burned rapidly in a combustion engine to push a piston in the engine that m turn propels the vehicle. In a jet engine, a mixture of fuel and air is burned rapidly and, instead of pushing pistons, pushes the aircraft itself. Which do you suppose is more efficient?

To determine

To explain: Whether combustion engine or an aircraft’s jet engine is more efficient.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Efficiency is a term which is used to define the performance of the system. A system is called is more efficient when you receive maximum work and less waste. An internal − combustion engine is a type of heat engine which is used for the conversion of heat energy into the mechanical energy like the burning heat of gasoline into the torque.

In the engine the piston is pushed by the combustion engine due to the rapid burning of air fuel mixture. Whereas in jet engine, due to the rapid burning of air fuel the aircraft instead of piston. So, the engine of jet is more efficient than combustion energy because in combustion engine due to the piston pushing some energy is lost in friction.

Conclusion:

Hence, the jet engine will be more efficient.