Comment on “Which is greater: eπ or πe? An unorthodox physical solution to a classic puzzle” [Am. J. Phys. 92(5), 397–398 (2024)]

Abstract

Editor's Note: In a recent paper [Am. J. Phys. 92(5) 397–398 (2024)], Vallejo and Bove used the second law of thermodynamics to show that eπ > πe by imagining a finite body of initial temperature π placed in contact with a reservoir at temperature e. This comment on that work explores the situation more generally, showing that the result depends upon neither the value of π or the second law. Rather, Vallejo and Bove's result is a limited proof of the second law in the case of their particular example. Appropriate for thermodynamics students at all levels.