Absolute temperatures as a consequence of Carnot's general axiom

Abstract

1. Program In our book, Concepts and Logic of Classical Thermodynamics,1 Mr. BHARATHA and I developed classical thermodynamics on the basis of Part I of Carnot's General Axiom, namely, the motive power of a Carnot cycle is positive and is determined by its operating temperatures and by the amount of heat it absorbs. For a given body, then, there is a function G such that for any Carnot cycle # L(%) = G(0+,0 ,C + (^j)>0. (1) The domain of G is the set of operating temperatures and heats absorbed that may appertain to Carnot cycles for the body in question. It is part of the definition of a Carnot cycle that 6+>6~ and that C+(^)>0. This definition and 1 C. Truesdell & S. Bharatha, Concepts and Logic of Classical Thermodynamics as a Theory of Heat Engines, Rigorously Constructed upon the Foundation Laid by S. Carnot and F. Reech, N.Y. etc., Springer-Verlag, 1977.