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Chapter 10: Problem 13

State What are the key characteristics of thermal equilibrium?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Thermal equilibrium features uniform temperature, no net energy transfer, and persistence over time without external changes.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Thermal Equilibrium

Thermal equilibrium is a state reached when two or more objects or systems in contact with each other have reached a common temperature, and there is no net transfer of thermal energy between them.
02

Identify Key Characteristic - Uniform Temperature

A fundamental characteristic of thermal equilibrium is that all objects or systems involved have the same temperature. When temperature differences no longer exist between the systems, thermal equilibrium is achieved.
03

Understand No Net Energy Flow

Another key characteristic is that there is no net flow of thermal energy between objects in thermal equilibrium. Even though molecules within the substances continue to move and transfer energy, overall energy transfer is balanced.
04

Recognize Persistence Over Time

Once thermal equilibrium is achieved, it persists as long as there are no external changes affecting the system, such as adding heat, or changing pressure or volume.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Uniform Temperature
Thermal equilibrium is a state where all involved objects or systems share a uniform temperature. This means that once thermal equilibrium is reached, all the parts of the system will have the same temperature.
This uniformity indicates that there are no temperature gradients present. Temperature gradients drive the transfer of thermal energy, so when they are absent, the system is in equilibrium.
This characteristic reflects the first key feature of thermal equilibrium and ensures that there is no spontaneous heat transfer within the system.
  • Same temperature across all parts of the system.
  • No temperature differences within the system.
  • Uniformity signals a balance.
Energy Transfer
In thermal equilibrium, the concept of energy transfer is crucial. While molecules within the system are still colliding and transferring energy, the overall transfer is balanced. No net energy flow occurs between objects at the same temperature in thermal equilibrium. When we say 'no net energy', it doesn't mean zero energy; rather, the energy exchanged is equal back and forth.
This is because energy naturally moves from warmer to cooler objects, but when they reach the same temperature, this flow evens out.
  • No net energy flow between objects.
  • Balance in energy transfer.
  • Internal molecular activity continues.
System Persistence
Once a system reaches thermal equilibrium, this state persists until an external influence disturbs it. External changes can include adding or removing heat, altering pressure, or changing the volume of the system.
In the absence of these changes, the equal temperature and balanced energy transfers will maintain the equilibrium state, making it stable over time.
This stability is essential in many natural processes, allowing systems to remain constant unless acted upon.
  • Equilibrium persists without external influence.
  • Needs an external force to change the state.
  • Stability over time is a sign of equilibrium.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Identify What is force per area called? }

\- A 155-g aluminum cylinder is removed from a liquid nitrogen bath, where it has been cooled to \(-196{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). The cylinder is immediately placed in an insulated cup containing \(80.0 \mathrm{~g}\) of water at \(15.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). What is the equilibrium temperature of this system? If your answer is \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), determine the amount of water that has frozen. The average specific heat capacity of aluminum over this temperature range is \(653 \mathrm{~J} /\left(\mathrm{kg} \cdot{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\).

Two different objects receive the same amount of thermal energy. Give at least two reasons why their temperature changes may not be the same.

Identify What is the name used for zero on the Kelvin temperature scale?

How much thermal energy must be removed from \(1.7 \mathrm{~kg}\) of water at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) to make ice cubes at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) ?
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