Question

Two objects with different temperature are brought together. Eventually the objects reach thermal equilibrium. Which of the following statements is true once they have reached thermal equilibrium?

a. They have the same temperature.
b. More than one of the above statements are true.
c. The absolute value of the temperature change for each object is the same.
d. Both objects have the same specific heat.

Answer 1

Once two objects reach thermal equilibrium, they have the same temperature as per the zeroth law of thermodynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two objects with different temperatures are brought together and eventually reach thermal equilibrium, it is true that they have the same temperature. This is a direct consequence of the zeroth law of thermodynamics which states that systems in thermal equilibrium have no net heat transfer between them and therefore, must be at the same temperature.

Statement a. 'They have the same temperature,' is correct once they have reached thermal equilibrium. However, this does not imply that the objects have the same specific heat or that the absolute value of the temperature change for each object is the same, as these depend on the respective materials' properties and masses.