Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
Last Updated :
09 May, 2024
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics states that when two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with another third body than the two bodies are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. Ralph H.
Fowler developed this law in the 1930s, many years after the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics had achieved widespread acceptance.
Here Thermal Equilibrium implies that when two systems are in contact with a barrier permeable only to heat, so there will be no change or transfer of heat.
Let’s learn more about Zeroth’s Law of Thermodynamics in this article!
What is Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?
Consider two systems A and B, separated by a wall that does not allow any exchange of energy between them. Such a wall is known as an insulating wall or adiabatic wall. The third system C is separated from systems A and B by a conducting or diathermic wall as shown in the figure.
Since energy can be exchanged between systems A and C, both A and C are in thermal equilibrium. Similarly, energy can be exchanged between the systems B and C, so both B and C are also in thermal equilibrium. In other words, both systems A and B are in thermal equilibrium with the third system C separately.
When the adiabatic wall between systems A and B is removed, no transfer of energy takes place between them.
This shows that systems A and B are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. This observation leads to an important law known as Zeroth’s law of thermodynamics which is stated as follows:
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics states that when two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with another third body then the two bodies are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.
According to Zeroth’s law of thermodynamics, if system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then
Temperature of System A = Temperature of System C
Similarly, if system B is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then
Temperature of System B =Temperature of System C
Now, from the above relation, we have
Temperature of System A = Temperature of System B
Thermal Equilibrium
The zeroth law of thermodynamics recognizes that temperature is a valuable measurement since it predicts whether or not heat will flow between things. Regardless matter how the items interact, this is true. Heat can move between two things even if they are not physically interacting, as per the radiation method of heat transmission.
The zeroth law of thermodynamics says that no heat flow will occur if the systems are in thermal equilibrium.
Thermodynamics is distinguished from other studies by temperature. This trait is capable of distinguishing between hot and cold. When two or more bodies of different temperatures come into touch, they eventually reach a similar temperature and are said to be in thermal equilibrium.
Check: What is the SI Unit of Temperature?
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics Example
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics states that heat energy flows between two bodies when they are kept in contact with each other.
For example, if we take three bodies P, Q, and R at different temperatures which are in contact with each other than the heat transfers among the three bodies till they reach thermal equilibrium, in this case, they reach the constant temperature.
Thermal equilibrium can also be achieved even when the temperature of the bodies is different.
For example, if we take two bodies A and B, and contain them in adiabatic chambers (which do not allow heat to pass through them) then the, if they allow being in contact still there, is no heat transfer as adiabatic chambers do not allow heat to pass through it so they are considered to in thermal equilibrium.
The zeroth law of thermodynamics follows the translation relation between various bodies i.e. if we take three bodies A, B, and C then if A and B are in thermal equilibrium and B and C are in thermal equilibrium then A and c are also considered to be in thermal equilibrium.
Application of Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
- The law is crucial for the mathematical formulation of thermodynamics, or, to put it another way, for expressing the mathematical definition of temperature.
- The most common use of this concept is to compare the temperatures of different things.
- If we want to accurately measure temperature, we’ll need a reference body and a characteristic of that body that changes with temperature.
- The change in that characteristic could be interpreted as a temperature change. The chosen feature is referred to as a thermodynamic property.
- Nonetheless, Thermometers are the most prevalent application of the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
- Using a simple thermometer with mercury in a tube, we may witness the zeroth law in operation.
- Because the area of the tube remains constant as the temperature rises, the mercury expands.
- The height has grown as a result of this development.
- Now, the variation in the height of the mercury label indicates temperature changes and, in essence, aids us in measuring it.
Depending on their thermometric characteristic, several types of thermometers can be utilized. The following is a list of thermometers
- Constant pressure gas thermometer – Volume
- Constant volume gas thermometer – Pressure
- Electrical resistance thermometer – Resistance
- Mercury-in-glass thermometer – Length
- Thermocouple – Thermal e.m.f.
When you have two glasses of water, you have another illustration of the zeroth law of thermodynamics. One glass will be filled with hot water, while the other will be filled with cold water. If we leave them on the table for a few hours, they will achieve thermal equilibrium with the room’s temperature.
Related Articles
Conclusion of Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics establishes the foundation for understanding temperature and thermal equilibrium. Its significance lies in allowing us to compare temperatures and develop thermodynamic scales. Through the concept of thermal equilibrium, it enables the measurement of temperature using reference bodies and thermodynamic properties. Moreover, the ubiquitous application of thermometers exemplifies the practical implications of this law, facilitating temperature measurement in various contexts.
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics- FAQs
Define Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?
According to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics, two systems that are in thermal equilibrium with a third system separately are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.
Who gave the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?
The credit for stating the zeroth law of Thermodynamics goes to British scientist Ralph H. Fowler.
What is the Significance of the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics provides a significant relationship which is very helpful for the mathematical formulation of thermodynamics. It mathematically transforms the relationship between systems’ thermal equilibrium into an equivalence relation, which can represent the equality of a particular quantity related to each system.
How does Zeroth Law lead to the concept of temperature?
Zeroth law tells that heat always flows from a hot body to a cold body till both bodies have an equal temperature. The degree of hotness or coldness is called the temperature and thus, the zeroth law of thermodynamics leads to the temperature.
Why is it called the “zeroth law” of thermodynamics?
It was named “zeroth” because the first and second laws were already named, reflecting its foundational importance.
What is the difference between Heat and Temperature?
Difference between Heat and Temperature are,
- Heat is a form of energy that is transferred between two bodies because if there is a temperature difference between them.
- Temperature is degree of hotness and coldness of the body and it may be defined as the thermal condition of a body that determines the direction of heat flow i.e. it determines whether the body will receive heat from another body or it will give heat to the same.
What is the Internal Energy?
Internal energy is the sum of all forms of energy stored in atoms or molecules.
Get 90% Course fee refund on completing 90% course in 90 days! Take the Three 90 Challenge today.
The next 90 Days of focus & determination can unlock your full potential. The Three 90 challenge has started and this is your chance to upskill and get 90% refund. What more motivation do you need? Start the challenge right away!
Similar Reads
Applications of First Law of Thermodynamics
Energy, like matter, is always conserved, which means that it cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another. Internal energy is a thermodynamic attribute of a system that refers to the energy associated with the system's molecules and comprises both kinetic and potential energy. Whenever a system undergoes a chang
8 min read
First Law of Thermodynamics
First Law of Thermodynamics adaptation of the Law of Conservation of Energy differentiates between three types of energy transfer: Heat, Thermodynamic Work, and Energy associated with matter transfer. It also relates each type of energy transfer to a property of a body's Internal Energy. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be
8 min read
Applications of Third Law of Thermodynamics
Third Law of Thermodynamics is a fundamental principle in the study of thermodynamics that deals with the behavior of systems as they approach absolute zero temperature. This law establishes that as the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero, the entropy of the system also approaches a minimum value. The Third Law of Thermodynamics is use
7 min read
Applications of Second Law of Thermodynamics
Second Law of Thermodynamics is a fundamental principle in physics and engineering that controls all natural forces and energy transformations in our universe. The second law of thermodynamics has numerous applications in various fields, including physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and environmental science. This article is focused on the us
8 min read
Third Law of Thermodynamics
Third law of thermodynamics, introduced in the late 19th century, is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. This establishes a theoretical limit for absolute zero temperature, the lowest possible temperature where the particles undergo minimal vibrational motion. The principle gives us insight into the behavior of matter
6 min read
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Second Law of Thermodynamics defines that heat cannot move from a reservoir of lower temperature to a reservoir of higher temperature in a cyclic process. The second law of thermodynamics deals with transferring heat naturally from a hotter body to a colder body. Second Law of Thermodynamics is one of three Laws of Thermodynamics. The word "thermod
10 min read
Basics Concepts of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is concerned with the ideas of heat and temperature, as well as the exchange of heat and other forms of energy. The branch of science that is known as thermodynamics is related to the study of various kinds of energy and its interconversion. The behaviour of these quantities is governed by three main laws of thermodynamics, which pro
12 min read
Applications of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the study of heat and energy transfer. It influences many aspects of our routines, from the way we cook our meals to the comfort of our indoor environments. From heating our homes to powering our appliances, thermodynamics influences processes that are integral to modern living. In this article, we'll learn some of the most common
9 min read
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is a branch of Physics that explains how thermal energy is changed to other forms of energy and the significance of thermal energy in matter. The behavior of heat, work, and temperature, along with their relations to energy and entropy are governed by the Four Laws of Thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is the study of relations between h
15+ min read
Behavior of Gas Molecules - Kinetic Theory, Boyle's Law, Charles's Law
The kinetic theory of gases is a simple, historically significant classical model of gas thermodynamic behavior that laid the groundwork for many fundamental thermodynamic notions. A gas is described by the model as a vast number of identical submicroscopic particles (atoms or molecules) moving in a random, continuous motion. Their size is thought
9 min read
Faraday's Law and Lenz's Law of Electromagnetic Induction
Magnetic induction is the era of an electromotive pressure around an electrical conductor in a converting magnetic field. Induction changed observed through Michael Faraday in 1831, and it changed into officially described as Faraday's regulation of induction through James Clerk Maxwell. And Lenz's regulation describes the route of the precipitated
9 min read
Law of Segregation And Law of Dominance
Law of Segregation and Law of Dominance are the fundamental principles in genetics, formulated by George Johann Mendel, known as "father of genetics". These are laws that explain the inheritance of traits from the parent cells. Law of Segregation demonstrates that every living organism has one pair of alleles and these alleles get separated during
5 min read
Difference Between Beer’s Law and Lambert’s Law
Beer's law states that the amount of absorbed light is proportional to the solution concentration, whereas Lambert's law states that the absorbance and path length are directly linked. Beer's law and Lambert's law are frequently used in combination with the Beer-Lambert law because they can show the connection between absorbance and both the path l
4 min read
Gauss's Law
Gauss law is defined as the total flux out of the closed surface is equal to the flux enclosed by the surface divided by the permittivity. The Gauss Law, which analyses electric charge, a surface, and the issue of electric flux, is analyzed. Let us learn more about the law and how it functions so that we may comprehend the equation of the law. What
12 min read
Hooke's Law
Hooke's law provides a relation between the stress applied to any material and the strain observed by the material. This law was proposed by English scientist Robert Hooke. Let's learn about Hooke's law, its application, and others, in detail in this article. What is Hooke’s Law?According to Hooke's law, the force required to extend or compress a s
10 min read
Problems Based on Coulomb's Law
Every physical occurrence in the universe of physics includes some type of attraction or repulsion, which causes the universe to exist in a unique way. The environment remains in a well-equipped and well-balanced state due to the attraction and repulsions between particles. When these attractions and repulsions are manipulated to disturb or vary, t
10 min read
Verification of the Law of Conservation of Mass in a Chemical Reaction
Law of conservation of mass states that "The mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction" French chemist Antoine Lavoisier was the first to state the law of conservation of mass in his book. There is just a rearrangement in the atoms of substances for the formation of compounds. In the chemical process, the law of conservation
7 min read
Ohm's Law - Definition, Formula, Applications, Limitations
According to Ohm's law, the voltage or potential difference between two locations is proportional to the current of electricity flowing through the resistance, and the resistance of the circuit is proportional to the current or electricity travelling through the resistance. V=IR is the formula for Ohm's law. Georg Simon Ohm, a German physicist, dis
5 min read
Law of Constant Proportions
We are all aware that matter is made up of atoms. Surprisingly, Greek philosophers proposed the concept of atom in the fifth century BC (BCE). Their notion, however, was philosophical rather than scientific. John Dalton proposed the first scientific theory of the atom. Few of Dalton's atomic postulates were proved to be wrong later on in research b
10 min read
Limitations of Ohm's Law
Ohm’s Law is a relationship between three physical phenomena: current, voltage, and resistance. This relationship was introduced by German physicist George Simon Ohm. That is why the law is well known as Ohm’s law. It states that the amount of steady current through a large number of materials is directly proportional to the potential difference, o
10 min read
Ampere's Circuital Law and Problems on It
André-Marie Ampere, a French physicist, proposed Ampere's Circuital Law. Ampere was born in Lyon, France, on January 20, 1775. His father educated him at home, and he showed an affinity for mathematics at a young age. Ampere was a mathematician and physicist best known for his work on electrodynamics, Ampere's Law, and the confirmation and amplific
5 min read
Biot-Savart Law
The Biot-Savart equation expresses the magnetic field created by a current-carrying wire. This conductor or wire is represented as a vector quantity called the current element. Lets take a look at the law and formula of biot-savart law in detail, Biot-Savart Law The magnitude of magnetic induction at a place caused by a tiny element of a current-ca
7 min read
Lenz's Law
Lenz law was given by the German scientist Emil Lenz in 1834 this law is based on the principle of conservation of energy and is in accordance with Newton's third law. Lenz law is used to give the direction of induced current in the circuit. In this article, let's learn about Lenz law its formula, experiments, and others. What is Lenz's law? The ge
7 min read
Law of Chemical Equilibrium and Equilibrium Constant
During a chemical process, chemical equilibrium refers to the state in which the concentrations of both reactants and products have no tendency to fluctuate over time. When the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal, a chemical reaction is said to be in chemical equilibrium. The state is known as a dynamic equilibrium, and the rate constant i
8 min read
Why did Gandhiji choose to break the salt law?
The salt law was suggested in the year 1882, according to which, the British government has the monopoly on the manufacturing and collection of the salt. Because of this, the handling of the salt was limited to the depots governed by the British government, and the violation of the law was considered an act of criminal offense. Gandhiji choose to b
8 min read
How a bill becomes a Law?
Parliament is the place where laws are made. All parties bring the proposals in front of the Parliament in the form of bills. It is just the draft and cannot be made law unless it has been approved by both the Houses of Parliament and then the President of India. The system of making the law starts with the proposal of a Bill in any House of Parlia
4 min read
What do you mean by Counterproductive Law?
When the Government of India passes any law that has an untoward effect on society, it is known as counterproductive law. In simple words, counterproductive law means any legal changes done by the government in the country which was meant to have some kind of effect in the country but the result was just opposite to the original law that was passed
6 min read
Boyle’s Law
The English chemist Robert Boyle (1627–1691), widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern experimental science of chemistry, is commonly credited with this development. He found that increasing the pressure of a sample of contained gas by two times while holding its temperature constant reduced the gas volume by half. According to Boyle's
9 min read
Charles Law
Charles Law is one of the fundamental laws used for the study of gases. Charles Law states that the volume of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the temperature (at absolute scale) at constant pressure. Famous French physicist Jacques Charles formulated this law in the year 1780. Let's learn about Charles Law's derivation and others in detail
9 min read
Law of Independent Assortment
The Law of Independent Assortment explains the complex working of genes in inheritance. This law explains how traits are inherited and it was initially proposed by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century. In this article, we will look at the Law of Independent Assortment, giving an overview of its occurrence, how it varies from linkage, its basic reasons
6 min read