Calorimetry and the Zeroth Law Flashcards
Calorimetry
The process of measuring changes in the thermal energy of a substance, resulting from heat transfer.
Thermal Equilibrum
This is when two or more substances reach the same temperature (and will both have the same average kinetic energy). Once substances are in thermal equilibrium, no more heat energy will be transferred between them.
Transferring heat energy
When objects come into contact with each other, they will begin to move towards thermal equilibrium. When analysing a thermal equilibrium situation, we assume energy is conserved. In a two body system, this means energy into one body is the same as energy out of the other when reaching thermal equilibrium.
Transferring heat energy
When objects come into contact with each other, they will begin to move towards thermal equilibrium. When analysing a thermal equilibrium situation, we assume energy is conserved. In a two body system, this means energy into one body is the same as energy out of the other when reaching thermal equilibrium.
The zeroth law of thermodynamics
If a body is in thermal equilibrium with a second body (A and B), and the second body is in thermal equilibrum with a third body (B and C), then the original body is in thermal equilibrium with the third (A and C).
Example: Coffee, Milk and Sugar.
On a hot day, a car has been parked in the shade. The steering wheel is the same temp as the air. The air is the same temp as the seat belt. Is the steering wheel the same temp at the seat belt? Which law of thermodynamics does this relate to?
Yes. Zeroth Law.
