Final answer:
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics assumes that when two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. It highlights the transitive nature of thermal equilibrium and allows for a consistent definition and measurement of temperature as an intensive quantity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assumption made by the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is based on the concept of thermal equilibrium. Mathematically, this law can be expressed as if T1 = T2 and T1 = T3, then T2 = T3. This is analogous to the transitive property of equality found in mathematics, symbolizing that if system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B, and system B with system C, then systems A and C are also in thermal equilibrium.
An example illustrating this law would be placing a cold metal block and a hot metal block on a plate at room temperature. Eventually, both blocks reach thermal equilibrium with the plate, and according to the Zeroth Law, they also reach equilibrium with each other despite not directly contacting one another. This principle forms the basis for understanding how thermometers work and allows for the consistent measurement of temperature as an intensive quantity, which does not depend on the size of the objects in question.
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