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Efficiency

Energy

Efficiency

To calculate the efficiency of energy transfers and explain how unwanted energy transfers can be reduced.

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What you will learn

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What efficiency tells us about a device

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How to identify useful and total energy transfers

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How to calculate efficiency as a decimal

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How to calculate efficiency as a percentage

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How to improve efficiency by reducing wasted transfers

Explanation

Efficiency is useful output divided by total input, using either energy or power. A decimal efficiency can be multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage. Reducing unwanted transfers, for example with lubrication, can increase efficiency; it cannot exceed 100%. Example: A machine has 0.75 efficiency and receives 400 J. Calculate useful output and dissipated energy. Useful = 0.75 × 400 = 300 J; dissipated = 400 − 300 = 100 J. Use clear labels. Check your reasoning. Distinguish the quantities.

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