Physics
Efficiency of a chain
Stage efficiencies multiply, which is why long chains lose so much.
The Formula
overall = efficiency 1 x efficiency 2 x ...
Stage efficiencies multiply, which is why long chains lose so much.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| overall | Overall efficiency | ratio | Combined efficiency of every stage. |
| eta i | Stage efficiency | ratio | Efficiency of one stage in the chain. |
What Each Symbol Means
overallratio
Overall efficiency
Combined efficiency of every stage.
eta iratio
Stage efficiency
Efficiency of one stage in the chain.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate efficiency page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Efficiency, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.