In his ideal model, the heat of caloric converted into work could be reinstated by reversing the motion of the cycle, a concept subsequently known as [[thermodynamic reversibility]]. Carnot, however, further postulated that some caloric is lost, not being converted to mechanical work. Hence, no real heat engine could realise the [[Carnot cycle]]'s reversibility and was condemned to be less efficient. | In his ideal model, the heat of caloric converted into work could be reinstated by reversing the motion of the cycle, a concept subsequently known as [[thermodynamic reversibility]]. Carnot, however, further postulated that some caloric is lost, not being converted to mechanical work. Hence, no real heat engine could realise the [[Carnot cycle]]'s reversibility and was condemned to be less efficient. |