Experiment # 6

 Objective
To validate the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.
 Apparatus
The apparatus required for the experiment is given s following:
1. Microwave Oven
2. Beaker filled with Water
3. Beaker filled with Oil
4. Alcoholic Thermometer
5. Two Mercury Thermometers
 Theory
The factor “validate” is related with the fact of proving some theory possible or
correct. In this experiment, we will be proving that Zeroth law of Thermodynamics makes
sense and can be applicable in our daily life.
 Zeroth law
We are very relatedly concerned with the factor of “temperature” which is
the measure of hotness and coldness of a body. Let’s consider a situation of
two bodies which are at different temperatures. In this case, if the two bodies
are brought near to each other then the heat will start to flow though one
body to the other. This is known as the “thermal (heat) interaction”. When
the heat flows from one body to other, it will continue flowing until the
temperatures of both bodies become same. At this final stage, the bodies are
said to be in “thermal equilibrium”.
The zeroth law is concerned with the
same fact along with a little modification.
When to bodies are in thermal equilibrium
with the third body, they are in thermal
equilibrium. This statement is known as
“Zeroth law of thermodynamics”.
If we want to know if two objects are at
thermal equilibrium, it is not necessary to
bring them into contact and see whether
their observative properties change with
time or not, but we can see if they are in
equilibrium with a same third object, which
is usually thermometer.
In this experiment, we will only be justifying the validity of zeroth law in
our daily life. For this purpose, we have used the described apparatus and
the procedure is as follows.
 Procedure
 Take two beakers of 500ml filled with equal volume of water and oil individually.
 Take two mercury thermometers and an alcoholic thermometer.
 Check the surrounding temperature from one of the thermometers. And note it as
system’s surrounding temperature.
  Initially, the temperatures of both the beakers will be same as surrounding which
shows the validity of zeroth law. Note it at your first reading and find out the
temperature difference. Use alcoholic thermometer for temperature measurement of
surrounding and mercury for one of the both beakers.
 Now switch on the electric microwave oven and place the beakers in it along with
alcoholic thermometer. Mark the surrounding temperature 60 degrees in Celsius
scale and start heating. Take out the beakers after 5 minutes and take the readings
of their temperature and note it.
 Now place the beakers again into the oven and take multiple readings, each after 5
minutes.
 Find out the temperature differences of the beakers in each step.
 Observation and Calculations

The small error in the readings is because of

 Personal errors.
 Lack of concentration and proper knowledge.
 Systematic errors.
 Wastage of time while measurement.
 Control volume condition.
 Result
The result of the experiment is that the zeroth law of thermodynamics is valid in our daily
life.
 Comments
The usage of microwave oven in experiment is very good instead of open-air
heating. This provides the steady flow of heat to the body. Although, when the beakers
are brought out of the oven, then the measurements should be taken quickly so that the
temperature of beaker should not decrease. The measurements should be taken
properly. While measuring temperature, the eye should be in front of the mercury and
alcoholic line.