Subtopic 1.

4 Zeroth Law Of Thermodynamics

Zeroth law of thermodynamics is one of the four laws of
thermodynamics. The credit for formulating the law goes to Ralph
H. Fowler. Interestingly, the zeroth law of thermodynamics was
actually developed much later than the original three laws.
However, there were few confusions regarding the nomenclature
whether it should be named the fourth law or some other name.
The complication arose because the new law gave a much clearer
definition of the temperature and basically replaced what the other
three laws had to state. Fowler finally came up with the name to
end this conflict.

The zeroth law of thermodynamics frames an idea of temperature

as an indicator of thermal equilibrium.

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics states that when a body ‘A’ is in

thermal equilibrium with another body ‘b’, and also separately in
thermal equilibrium with a body ‘C’, then body ‘B’ and ‘C’ will also
be in thermal equilibrium with each other. This statement defines
the zeroth law of thermodynamics. The law is based on
temperature measurement. 1
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 Subtopic 1.4 Zeroth Law Of Thermodynamics
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics Example and Applications.
The law is important for the mathematical formulation of
thermodynamics or more precisely for stating the mathematical
definition of temperature. This law is mostly used to compare
temperatures of different objects.

If we want to measure the accurate temperature, a reference body

is required and a certain characteristic of that body which changes
with temperature. The change in that characteristic may be taken
as an indication of a change of temperature. That selected
characteristic is known as thermodynamic property.

Nonetheless, the most common application of the zeroth law of

thermodynamics can be seen in thermometers. We can observe
the zeroth law in action by taking a very common thermometer
having mercury in a tube. As the temperature is increased this
mercury expands since the area of the tube is constant. Due to this
expansion, the height is increased. Now, the increase in the height
of the mercury label shows the changes in temperature and
basically helps us to measure it. 2
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