Zeroth law of thermodynamics facts for kids
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is a basic rule about heat and temperature. Imagine you have three objects: A, B, and C.
If object A is the same temperature as object B, and object B is the same temperature as object C, then object A will also be the same temperature as object C.
Think of it like this:
- If your hand (A) feels the same temperature as a warm drink (B).
- And the warm drink (B) feels the same temperature as a hot plate (C).
- Then your hand (A) would also feel the same temperature as the hot plate (C).
This law helps us understand how heat moves. Heat always flows from hotter places to colder places until everything reaches the same temperature. This state is called "thermal equilibrium."
Why "Zeroth" Law?
This law is called the "zeroth" (0th) law because it was discovered after the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics. However, scientists realized it was so fundamental and important that it should come before the others. It's like the foundation for understanding all the other laws about heat and energy.
How We Use It
The Zeroth Law is very important for how we measure temperature. When you use a thermometer, you are using this law!
- The thermometer (A) touches something you want to measure (B).
- Heat flows until the thermometer (A) and the object (B) are the same temperature.
- Then, the thermometer (A) shows you the temperature of the object (B).
This law makes sure that if two things are both in thermal equilibrium with a third thing (like a thermometer), then they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.
Related Laws of Thermodynamics
See also
In Spanish: Principio cero de la termodinámica para niños
