Thermal Equilibrium between a Hot and Cold Body

In summary, thermal equilibrium between a hot and cold body involves the transfer of thermal energy through conduction. Even when equilibrium is reached, the temperature may remain constant but the molecules within the combined bodies do not all contain the same kinetic energy. This leads to continued collisions and exchange of kinetic energy, resulting in a Boltzmann distribution of energies in each accessible degree of freedom. This process is thermodynamically irreversible when heat transfer occurs through direct contact.
  • #1
hwall95
16
0
Just a quick question relating to thermal equilibrium between a hot and cold body. If a hot body and cold (closed systems) are opened up to each other, the thermal energy will be transfer from the hot body to cold body through conduction. So even when thermal equilibrium is reached, the temperature may be constant (closed system) but the molecules within combined bodies do not all contain the same kinetic energy right? So they will continue to collide and gain and lose kinetic energy for infinity basically right even though the overall temperature remains constant? Sorry I am just trying to make sure I'm not making incorrect conclusions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks :)
 
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  • #2
Yes I think I understand what you are asking.

The average kinetic energy of the molecules is closely related to temperature so will never be zero except at absolute zero. As with all averages it is a bulk composite of a range of values.

Incidentally if you allow heat transfer by direct contact, as you describe, the process is thermodynamically irreversible.
 
  • #3
You will end up with a Boltzmann distribution of energies in each accessible degree of freedom. For gas molecules, this will give a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of translational kinetic energies.
 

What is thermal equilibrium between a hot and cold body?

Thermal equilibrium between a hot and cold body is the state in which two objects at different temperatures are placed in contact with each other and reach a point where their temperatures are equal. This is achieved when there is no net transfer of heat between the two objects.

How does thermal equilibrium occur?

Thermal equilibrium occurs through the process of heat transfer. Heat is transferred from the hotter body to the colder body until the temperatures of both bodies are equal. This process continues until thermal equilibrium is reached.

What factors affect thermal equilibrium?

The factors that affect thermal equilibrium include the temperature difference between the two bodies, the thermal conductivity of the materials, and the surface area of contact between the two bodies. Additionally, the presence of external factors such as air currents or insulation can also impact the rate at which thermal equilibrium is reached.

Why is thermal equilibrium important?

Thermal equilibrium is important because it allows for the transfer of heat between two objects to reach a state of balance. This is essential for many processes and systems, including maintaining a comfortable temperature in our homes and regulating the temperature in industrial processes.

What happens to the temperature of the two bodies in thermal equilibrium?

In thermal equilibrium, the temperatures of the two bodies are equal. This means that the hotter body will lose heat to the colder body until they both reach the same temperature. Once thermal equilibrium is reached, there is no further transfer of heat between the two bodies.

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