Clausius theorem

The Clausius theorem (also known as the Carnot-Clausius theorem) states that

$\oint {\frac {dQ}{T}}\leq 0$

where Q is the heat and T is the temperature. This equation becomes an equality for a reversible cycle. This theroem has recently been derived without making use of the Second law of thermodynamics by making use of the Evans-Searles transient fluctuation theorem and the Crooks fluctuation theorem.

See also

• Entropy
• Second law of thermodynamics
• Carnot cycle