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Zeroth law of thermodynamics
In thermodynamics, the zeroth law of thermodynamics states that two bodies in thermal equilibrium with a third body are also in equilibrium with each other. [1] The zeroth law is often considered as the “equilibrium principle”. [2]
History
One of the first to stated the basics of the zeroth law was Scottish physicist and chemist Joseph Black. In the late 18th century, to cite one example, in his “Lectures on the Elements of Chemistry” delivered at the University of Edinburgh, Black outlined the view that “a second improvement in our knowledge of heat, which has been attained by the use of thermometers, is the more distinct notion we have now than formerly, of the distribution of heat among different bodies.” [3] He continues, “I remarked formerly, that, even without the help of thermometers, we can perceive a tendency of heat to diffuse itself from any hotter body to the cooler around, until it be distributed among them, in such a manner that none of them are disposed to take any more heat from the rest. The heat is thus brought into a state of equilibrium.” This is one of the first statements of the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
Black continues “this equilibrium is somewhat curious. We find that when all mutual action is ended, a thermometer, applied to any one of the bodies, acquires the same degree of expansion: therefore the temperature of them all is the same, and the equilibrium is universal. No previous acquaintance with the peculiar reaction of each to heat could have assured us of this, and we owe the discovery entirely to the thermometer.” He then states, what is now, essentially considered the “combined law of thermodynamics, that “we must therefore adopt, as one of the most general laws of heat, that: all bodies communicating freely with each other, and exposed to no inequality of external action, acquire the same temperature, as indicated by a thermometer. All acquire the temperature of the surrounding medium.”
References
1. Cengel, Y. & Boles, M. (2002). Thermodynamics – an Engineering Approach, 4th Ed. (textbook). New York: McGraw Hill.
2. Shorthand laws: Zeroth (equilbirum principle), First (energy principle), Second (entropy principle), Third (temperature principle).
3. Lectures on the Elements of Chemistry, Joseph Black, University of Edinburgh.
External links
● 10+ Variations of the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics – Institue of Human Thermodynamics.
History
One of the first to stated the basics of the zeroth law was Scottish physicist and chemist Joseph Black. In the late 18th century, to cite one example, in his “Lectures on the Elements of Chemistry” delivered at the University of Edinburgh, Black outlined the view that “a second improvement in our knowledge of heat, which has been attained by the use of thermometers, is the more distinct notion we have now than formerly, of the distribution of heat among different bodies.” [3] He continues, “I remarked formerly, that, even without the help of thermometers, we can perceive a tendency of heat to diffuse itself from any hotter body to the cooler around, until it be distributed among them, in such a manner that none of them are disposed to take any more heat from the rest. The heat is thus brought into a state of equilibrium.” This is one of the first statements of the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
Black continues “this equilibrium is somewhat curious. We find that when all mutual action is ended, a thermometer, applied to any one of the bodies, acquires the same degree of expansion: therefore the temperature of them all is the same, and the equilibrium is universal. No previous acquaintance with the peculiar reaction of each to heat could have assured us of this, and we owe the discovery entirely to the thermometer.” He then states, what is now, essentially considered the “combined law of thermodynamics, that “we must therefore adopt, as one of the most general laws of heat, that: all bodies communicating freely with each other, and exposed to no inequality of external action, acquire the same temperature, as indicated by a thermometer. All acquire the temperature of the surrounding medium.”
References
1. Cengel, Y. & Boles, M. (2002). Thermodynamics – an Engineering Approach, 4th Ed. (textbook). New York: McGraw Hill.
2. Shorthand laws: Zeroth (equilbirum principle), First (energy principle), Second (entropy principle), Third (temperature principle).
3. Lectures on the Elements of Chemistry, Joseph Black, University of Edinburgh.
External links
● 10+ Variations of the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics – Institue of Human Thermodynamics.
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, Apr 20 2008, 11:10 AM EDT
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