The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics in Special Relativity
L. Gavassino
Abstract
Abstract We critically revisit the definition of thermal equilibrium, in its operational formulation, provided by standard thermodynamics. We show that it refers to experimental conditions which break the covariance of the theory at a fundamental level and that, therefore, it cannot be applied to the case of moving bodies. We propose an extension of this definition which is manifestly covariant and can be applied to the study of isolated systems in special relativity. The zeroth law of thermodynamics is, then, proven to establish an equivalence relation among bodies which have not only the same temperature, but also the same center of mass four-velocity.
Topics & Concepts
Zeroth law of thermodynamicsCovariant transformationSecond law of thermodynamicsPhysicsThermal physicsFour-forceEquivalence (formal languages)Theoretical physicsCovarianceClassical mechanicsTheory of relativityGeneral relativitySpecial relativityMathematicsLaws of thermodynamicsExtended irreversible thermodynamicsDoubly special relativityClassical physicsThird lawPrinciple of relativityCenter of mass (relativistic)First lawMathematical physicsFirst law of thermodynamicsEquivalence principle (geometric)General covarianceExtension (predicate logic)Fundamental thermodynamic relationStatistical physicsPulsars and Gravitational Waves ResearchRelativity and Gravitational TheoryCosmology and Gravitation Theories