Vidotto, Francesca (2024) Thermodynamics without Time. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Our fundamental theories, i.e., the quantum theory and general relativity, are in- variant under time reversal. Only when we treat system from the point of view of thermody- namics, i.e., averaging between many subsystem components, an arrow of time emerges. The relation between thermodynamic and the quantum theory has been fertile, deeply explored and still a source of new investigations. The relation between the quantum theory and gravi- ty, while it has not yet brought an established theory of quantum gravity, has certainly sparkled in depth analysis and tentative new theories. On the other hand, the connection be- tween gravity and thermodynamics is less investigated and more puzzling. I review a selec- tion of results in covariant thermodynamics, such as the construction of a covariant notion of thermal equilibrium by considering tripartite systems. I discuss how such construction re- quires a relational take on thermodynamics, similarly of what happens in the quantum theory and in gravity.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Vidotto, Francesca vidottof@gmail.com 0000-0002-9883-0808
Additional Information:	This material has been accepted for publication by Cambridge University Press, and a revised form will be published in the book “The Arrow of Time: From Local Systems to the Whole Universe” edited by Olimpia Lombardi and Cristian Lopez. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution or re-use. © copyright holder.
Keywords:	Thermodynamics, General Relativity, Time, Thermal Time, Covariance
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User:	Dr. Francesca Vidotto
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2024 13:47
Last Modified:	30 Sep 2024 13:47
Item ID:	23966
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date:	2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23966

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