• The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium

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

• This means that if two objects are at the same temperature and they are in thermal equilibrium
with another object, then this third object is also at the same temperature as the other two
objects.

• The zeroth law of thermodynamics is the foundation of temperature measurement. It allows us

to define temperature as a measure of the degree of thermal equilibrium between two systems.

The zeroth law of thermodynamics was first proposed by Ralph H. Fowler in the 1930s. It was named the
zeroth law because it was recognized as a fundamental law of thermodynamics after the first, second,
and third laws had already been established.

The zeroth law of thermodynamics has many applications in physics, chemistry, and engineering. For
example, it is used to calibrate thermometers and to determine the temperature of objects in a variety
of environments.

Here are some examples of the zeroth law of thermodynamics in action:

• If you put a thermometer in a pot of boiling water, the thermometer will eventually reach the
same temperature as the water. This is because the thermometer and the water are in thermal
equilibrium.

• If you put a thermometer in a cup of ice water, the thermometer will eventually reach the same
temperature as the ice water. This is because the thermometer and the ice water are in thermal
equilibrium.

• If you put a thermometer in a room, the thermometer will eventually reach the same
temperature as the room. This is because the thermometer and the room are in thermal
equilibrium.

The zeroth law of thermodynamics is a fundamental law of nature that has many important applications
in our world. It helps us to understand the concept of temperature and to measure the temperature of
objects in a variety of environments.