The zeroth law of thermodynamics

In summary, the discussion revolves around two systems A and B and their equilibrium. The surface that describes their equilibrium is given by F(a1,a1,...,b1,b2,...) = 0. The question arises about how A and B can be used to describe the temperature function of the systems. The answer lies in defining the temperature of a system as the value of a coordinate when the system is in equilibrium with another. This leads to two temperature functions, T1 = c1(a1,a2,...) and T2 = A(a1,a2,...). It is known from thermodynamic principles that A and B must be intensive parameters, and the proof that their temperatures must be equal is not difficult.
  • #1
QuasarBoy543298
32
2
let's assume I have 2 systems A and B. the surface that describes when the 2 systems are in equilibrium is given by F(a1,a1,...,b1,b2,...) = 0.
assuming we can write this surface as A(a1,a2,..)=B(b1,b2,...) why do A and B describes the temperature function of the systems?

in class, we defined the temperature of a system by the value of some coordinate c1 of some system c, when the other coordinates c2,... were determined, when the system is in equilibrium with c.
so for some system A ,I would get some function T1 = c1(a1,a2,...,c2,...) = c1(a1,a2,...)
and from the equilibrium with system B, I would get T2 = A(a1,a2,...)
how do I know T1 is the same as T2? it doesn't even seem to relate

the motive for asking this question was an exercise where some surface f=0 that describes equilibrium between A and B was given, and the goal was
to find the temperature functions of A and B only from the connection f=0.
 
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  • #2
What you do know, from general thermodynamic principles, is that A and B must be intensive parameters (e.g. T or P for the simplest of systems). Which they are depends on what kind of equilibrium you have established. If you only allow A and B to exchange energy, then, yes, at equilibrium the temperatures must be equal and therefore the functions you list must be the equations of state of the temperature in A and B.

The proof that the temperature must be equal is not hard. Imagine an infinitismal transfer of energy dU from A to B. Write the differential change in the entropy dS as a function of dU, making use of the fact that dS/dU = 1/T and the First Law. Set dS = 0, as required by the system being at equilibrium, and you will find T_A = T_B is required.
 

1. What is the zeroth law of thermodynamics?

The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.

2. Why is it called the "zeroth" law?

The zeroth law was added to the laws of thermodynamics after the first, second, and third laws were already established. It is called the "zeroth" law because it is considered to be more fundamental than the other three laws.

3. How does the zeroth law relate to temperature?

The zeroth law is the basis for the concept of temperature. It states that when two systems are in thermal equilibrium, they have the same temperature. This allows for the measurement and comparison of temperature between different systems.

4. What is an example of the zeroth law in action?

An example of the zeroth law is when you place a cold can of soda in a room temperature environment. Eventually, the can and the air around it will reach thermal equilibrium, meaning they will have the same temperature.

5. How does the zeroth law apply to everyday life?

The zeroth law is used in many everyday situations, such as cooking, heating and cooling systems, and even in our own bodies. It allows us to understand and control the transfer of heat between different systems, making our daily lives more comfortable and efficient.

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