Learn the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics visually with interactive simulations. Understand thermal equilibrium, temperature measurement, and the transitive property of thermal systems through hands-on examples.
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics establishes the concept of temperature and thermal equilibrium. It states:
"If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other."
This fundamental principle allows us to define temperature as a measurable property and forms the basis for temperature measurement using thermometers.
Observe how oHx reach thermal equilibrium through heat transfer
Explanation: The simulation shows three oHx at different temperatures. As time progresses, heat transfers between them until they reach thermal equilibrium (green indicator).
Experience how different materials respond to temperature changes
Save your simulation results or load previous experiments
Click on the oHx below to learn about their thermal properties:
Step 1: Place oHx in thermal contact
The law was formulated after the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics were already established. However, it was recognized as more fundamental than the other laws, hence it was given the designation "Zeroth."
If system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C, and system B is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B:
If (A ≈ C) and (B ≈ C), then (A ≈ B)
Where "≈" represents thermal equilibrium.
The Zeroth Law implies that temperature is a well-defined, measurable property of a system in thermal equilibrium. This allows us to assign a numerical value to temperature, making it a state function.
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