Fiveable
Fiveable

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

Definition

If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

Related terms

First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred or changed from one form to another. Like trading cards - you don't lose or gain any, just swap them around!

Second Law of Thermodynamics: The total entropy (disorder) of an isolated system can never decrease over time. It's like your room getting messier as time goes by unless someone cleans it up.

Third Law of Thermodynamics: As temperature approaches absolute zero, the entropy of a system approaches a minimum value. Imagine trying to slow down dancers at your party until they stop moving completely - that's absolute zero!

"Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP Chemistry - 6.3 Kinetic Energy, Heat Transfer, and Thermal Equilibrium

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.