Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: Equation, Definition, Limitations

State Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

The zeroth law of thermodynamics, a fundamental physics principle, establishes a recognized temperature scale. According to this rule, two systems are in thermal equilibrium with one another if they are also in thermal equilibrium with a third system. Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is important for the GATE exam. To put it another way, if systems A and B are in thermal equilibrium with one another and systems B and C are in thermal equilibrium with one another, then systems A and C are as well.

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is Often Written as

If system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B, and system B is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C. This law allows us to define temperature and measure it using a thermometer. It is also used to establish a common temperature scale, such as the Celsius or Fahrenheit scale, which allows us to compare temperatures and express them in a standard unit of measurement. Overall, the zeroth law of thermodynamics is an important law of physics used to define temperature and establish a common temperature scale. It is closely related to the first law of thermodynamics, which is a statement of the conservation of energy, and together they form the foundation of the science of thermodynamics. It is the basis of temperature measurement.

Thermometric Property

A thermometric property is a physical property of a substance that changes predictably with temperature. Thermometric properties are used to measure temperature and are often used in thermometers to determine the temperature of a substance or system. Many different thermometric properties can be used to measure temperature. Some examples of thermometric properties include the expansion of solids and liquids, the resistance of electrical conductors, the pressure of a gas, and the intensity of electromagnetic radiation.

Thermometric properties are used in various thermometers, including mercury thermometers, alcohol thermometers, thermocouples, and infrared thermometers. Each type of thermometer uses a different thermometric property to measure temperature, and the accuracy and range of the thermometer depend on the specific thermometric property being used. Overall, thermometric properties are important for measuring temperature and are used in various thermometers and temperature-sensing devices.

Constant Volume Thermometer

From the ideal gas equation

PV∝ T

For constant volume: P α T, So T= f(P) Only

i.e., the temperature is only dependent on pressure; thus, for constant volume thermometer Pressure, P will be the thermometric property.

Constant Pressure Thermometer

From the ideal gas equation: PV∝ T

For constant Pressure: V α T, So T= f(V) Only

i.e., the temperature is only dependent on Volume; thus, for constant Pressure thermometer Volume, V will be the thermometric property.

(iii). The thermometric property for an electrical resistance thermometer is resistance.

(iv). In the case of a Thermocouple, Voltage or EMF will be thermometric property.

(v). In the thermometer case, length or Volume will be thermometric property.

These all are linearly varying.

Thus, T = a.N, where a is a random constant.

& N is the thermometric property

T₁/T₂ = N₁/N₂

T₂ = N₁/N₂* T₁

Five different kinds of the thermometer, each with its own thermometric property:

Energy

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It is a fundamental physical quantity that is present in many forms, such as kinetic energy (the energy of motion), potential energy (the energy of position or configuration), and thermal energy (the energy of heat).

Energy is important in many fields, including physics, engineering, biology and even for GATE ME question papers. It is a key element in studying thermodynamics, the science of the relationships between heat, work, and energy. Energy is also important in studying electricity, magnetism, and mechanics, and it plays a central role in the functioning of many technologies and devices. Energy can be transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed. This is known as the law of energy conservation, which is one of the fundamental laws of physics. Overall, energy is a fundamental physical quantity in many forms and is important in studying many fields and technologies.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The first law of thermodynamics is a statement of energy conservation, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. It is often expressed in the form of a mathematical equation, which states that the change in the internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system on its surroundings. This equation is known as the first law of thermodynamics and is written as ΔU = Q - W, where ΔU is the change in the system's internal energy, Q is the heat added to the system, and W is the work done by the system on its surroundings. The first law of thermodynamics is a fundamental law of physics that applies to all physical systems, including thermodynamic systems, and is used to understand the behavior of systems and to design new technologies and devices that use energy.

Limitations of Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

While the zeroth law of thermodynamics is a fundamental law of physics that is widely accepted and has many important applications, it does have some limitations. Some of the limitations of the zeroth law of thermodynamics include the following:

It does not define the concept of temperature: The zeroth law of thermodynamics does not define or provide a precise mathematical definition of temperature. Instead, it establishes a common temperature scale and allows us to compare temperatures and express them in a standard unit of measurement.
It only applies to systems in thermal equilibrium: The zeroth law of thermodynamics only applies to systems in thermal equilibrium, which means that they have reached a state of balance in which there is no net heat flow between the systems. It does not apply to systems not in thermal equilibrium, such as systems undergoing a change of state or undergoing a process in which heat is added or removed.
It does not provide a complete description of the behavior of physical systems: The zeroth law of thermodynamics only describes the relationships between temperature and thermal equilibrium. It does not provide a complete description of the behavior of physical systems and does not consider other factors, such as the motion and interactions of particles.

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FAQs about Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

What is the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is a fundamental principle that establishes a reference temperature scale and allows for the comparison of temperatures of different bodies. It states that if two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with a third body, they are also in thermal equilibrium. This law allows for the definition of temperature as a measurable quantity that can be used to describe the thermal state of a system.

How is the Zeroth Law used in thermodynamics?

The Zeroth Law is used to define a reference temperature scale, such as the Celsius or Fahrenheit scales, and to measure the temperature of a body relative to this scale. It is also used to establish thermal equilibrium, a state in which no net heat flow occurs between two bodies.

How does the Zeroth Law relate to the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics?

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics establishes the concept of thermal equilibrium, a necessary condition for applying the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. The First Law of Thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Energy Conservation, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.

How is the Zeroth Law applied in practical situations?

The Zeroth Law is used in many practical applications, including the design and operation of heat exchangers, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and power plants. It is also used to measure the temperature of objects and materials in scientific and industrial settings, as well as to study the thermal behavior of various substances.

Are there any limitations or criticisms of the Zeroth Law?

The Zeroth Law is a fundamental principle of thermodynamics that has been widely accepted and validated through various experiments and observations. However, like all scientific laws, it is not a perfect physical world description and may have limitations or exceptions in certain situations.

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics