Thermal Equilibrium
Physics: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 2.1.5
Thermal Equilibrium
Thermal equilibrium occurs when systems are at the same temperature.
Thermal equilibrium
- Systems are in thermal equilibrium when they have the same temperature.
- Thermal equilibrium occurs when two bodies are in contact with each other and can freely exchange energy.
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Zeroth law of thermodynamics
- The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that when two systems, A and B, are in thermal equilibrium with each other, and B is in thermal equilibrium with a third system, C, then A is also in thermal equilibrium with C.
Test yourself on Thermal Equilibrium
A cup of water is in thermal equilibrium with the table beneath it. If a thermometer placed in the cup reads 20°C, what is the temperature of the table?