Relativistic thermodynamics: a modern 4-vector approach

Abstract

Using the Minkowski relativistic 4-vector formalism, based on Einstein’s equation, and the relativistic thermodynamics asynchronous formulation (Grøn (1973)), the isothermal compression of an ideal gas is analyzed, considering an electromagnetic origin for forces applied to it. This treatment is similar to the description previously developed by Van Kampen (van Kampen (1969)) and Hamity (Hamity (1969)). In this relativistic framework Mechanics and Thermodynamics merge in the first law of relativistic thermodynamics expressed, using 4-vector notation, such as ΔUμ = Wμ + Qμ, in Lorentz covariant formulation, which, with the covariant formalism for electromagnetic forces, constitutes a complete Lorentz covariant formulation for classical physics.