Thermodynamics and Relativity: A Message to Physics Teachers (for an easier understanding of the thermodynamic theory)

Abstract

Whoever has to learn or to teach thermodynamics is confronted with conceptual difficulties which are specific to this field of physics ([1],[2]). It seems that they can be eliminated by inserting relativity in the thermodynamic theory. The aim of this paper is to summarize the problem and draw attention upon a fundamental point of the discussion.