On the Clausius theorem

TL;DR

This paper discusses a theoretical scenario where the Clausius inequality could be violated in metastable systems without breaching the second law of thermodynamics, and suggests ways to experimentally detect such violations.

Contribution

It introduces the possibility of Clausius inequality violations in metastable systems without violating the second law, a novel theoretical insight.

Findings

Theoretical possibility of Clausius inequality violation in metastable systems

Proposed experimental detection methods for these violations

Clarification that second law remains unviolated

Abstract

We show that for a metastable system there exists a theoretical possibility of a violation of the Clausius inequality without a violation of the second law. Possibilities of experimental detection of this hypothetical violation are pointed out.