Question

“If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.” This statement refers to ______.

Options

• zeroth law of thermodynamics

• first law of thermodynamics

• second law of thermodynamics

• Carnot’s law

Answer 1

“If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.” This statement refers to the zeroth law of thermodynamics.

Explanation:

1. The figure shows a schematic representation of the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
2. The double arrow represents thermal equilibrium between systems.
3. If systems A and C are in thermal equilibrium, and systems A and B are in thermal equilibrium, then systems B and C must be in thermal equilibrium.
4. Then it can be inferred that systems A, B and C are at the same temperature.