Inconsistency of Carnot's theorem's proof by William Thomson

TL;DR

This paper examines the proof of Carnot's theorem and shows that it can be derived from an alternative postulate, challenging the traditional understanding of the theorem's foundational assumptions.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Carnot's theorem can be proved using the opposite of Thomson's original postulate, questioning the theorem's dependency on the initial postulate.

Findings

Carnot's theorem can be derived from the contrary of Thomson's postulate.

The original proof's validity depends on the specific postulate used.

Carnot's theorem does not necessarily follow from Thomson's original postulate.

Abstract

William Thomson proved Carnot's theorem basing on postulate: "It is impossible, by means of inanimate material agency, to derive mechanical effect from any portion of matter by cooling it below the temperature of the coldest of the surrounding objects". The present paper demonstrates that Carnot's theorem can be proved based on the contrary Thomson's postulate: "It is impossible to use the mechanical effect to the heating the coldest of surrounding objects". A conclusion that Carnot's theorem does not follow from the Thomson's postulate has been drawn.