Abstract

In his paper 'The Impossible Process: Thermodynamic Reversibility', John Norton criticized the concept of reversible processes in classical thermodynamics and suggested that they should be considered approximations. In mathematics, however, the term approximation is related to the approximately equal sign, which is inappropriate for the mathematical formalism of thermodynamics. This paper examines the relationship between the formalism of thermodynamics, conceptual models and the world, and then discusses Norton's proposal from this point of view. In conclusion, a proposal by mathematician Zorich for the reversible process of heat transfer between two bodies with different temperatures is described.