Relativistic thermodynamics of irreversible processes. IV: Systems with polarization and magnetization in an electromagnetic field

Abstract

The relativistic thermodynamics of irreversible processes is developed for systems which are polarizable and magnetizable. It is assumed that the medium is isotropic as far as polarization and magnetization are concerned. The relativistic second law of thermodynamics is derived for these systems. It appears that there is a connection between the explicit expression for the ponderomotive force and the form of the second law of thermodynamics. The entropy balance is deduced from the fundamental relativistic macroscopic laws. The phenomenological equations and the Onsager relations are given for anisotropic media.