0th Law of Thermodynamics

Definition

The 0th Law of Thermodynamics states that if two objects are in thermal equilibrium with a third object, then they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. In simpler terms, it means that when two objects have the same temperature as a third object, they have the same temperature as each other.

Analogy

Imagine you and your friend both touch a hot cup of coffee at the same time. If both of you feel the same level of heat, it means that you and your friend are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

Related terms

Thermal Equilibrium: When two or more objects are at the same temperature and there is no net flow of heat between them.

1st Law of Thermodynamics: Also known as the law of energy conservation, it states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.

Temperature: A measure of how hot or cold an object is, based on the average kinetic energy of its particles.