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.

Analogy

If you and your friend both agree with the teacher's opinion on a topic, it means you two also agree with each other. That's the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics!

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!