On the proof of the first Carnot theorem in thermodynamics
The proof of the first Carnot theorem in classical thermodynamics is revisited in this study. The underlying conditions of a general proof of this principle presented by Senft (1978 Phys. Educ. 13 35-37) are explored and discussed. These conditions are analysed in more detail using a physical descri...
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Published in | European journal of physics Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 1581 - 1588 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
IOP Publishing
01.11.2013
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | The proof of the first Carnot theorem in classical thermodynamics is revisited in this study. The underlying conditions of a general proof of this principle presented by Senft (1978 Phys. Educ. 13 35-37) are explored and discussed. These conditions are analysed in more detail using a physical description of heat and work to present a simpler proof of the first principle prior to using the violation of the second law of thermodynamics. Finally, a new simple proof is also presented based on Gibbs relation. This discussion will benefit the teaching of classical thermodynamics and promote better understanding of the proof of the first Carnot theorem in general form. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0143-0807 1361-6404 |
DOI: | 10.1088/0143-0807/34/6/1581 |