The specific heat is also relevant when calculating the thermodynamic efficiency of a propulsion system, such as a rocket or a jet engine. The efficiency (η) can be calculated using the specific heat at constant pressure (Cp) and the specific heat at constant volume (Cv) as follows:
η=1−Cv/Cp
This equation indicates how efficiently the energy is converted into thrust or work in the propulsion system, and Cp and Cv play a crucial role in this calculation.