Which thermodynamic constraint limits efficiency when a Carnot engine uses irreversible processes instead of perfect reversibility?

💡 Explanation

When a Carnot engine operates irreversibly, increased entropy generation occurs because friction and other dissipative forces convert work into heat, deviating from isothermal and isentropic changes, decreasing cycle efficiency. Therefore increased entropy generation prevents reaching Carnot efficiency, rather than altered temperatures or reduced work, which are CONSEQUENCES of this inefficiency.

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