Validity of path thermodynamics in reactive systems

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the path thermodynamic approach in reactive systems, demonstrating through examples and rigorous analysis that it can produce results inconsistent with established thermodynamic principles.

Contribution

It provides a rigorous mathematical critique showing limitations and potential inaccuracies of the path thermodynamic formulation in reactive systems.

Findings

Path thermodynamics can yield contradictory results in reactive systems.

Mathematical analysis confirms limitations of the approach.

Examples illustrate discrepancies with classical thermodynamics.

Abstract

Path thermodynamic formulation of non-equilibrium reactive systems is considered. It is shown through simple practical examples that this approach can lead to results that contradict well established thermodynamic properties of such systems. Rigorous mathematical analysis confirming this fact is presented.