DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Open Ended Laboratory

Experiment
Submitted To: Dr. Farhan Javed

Submitted By:
 2023-CH-05
 2023-CH-55
 2023-CH-99

Date: 20/11/2024
 TO VALIDATE THE ZEROTH LAW OF
THERMODYNAMICS BY ESTABLISHING
THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN TWO
BODIES

ABSTRACT:
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics establishes the concept of
thermal equilibrium and the foundation for temperature
measurement. This report details an experimental validation of
this principle using a microwave oven, beakers filled with water
and oil, and thermometers. The study demonstrates how two
systems reach thermal equilibrium via interaction with a third
system. Practical applications of the Zeroth Law in engineering,
temperature calibration, and industrial processes are
highlighted, showcasing its relevance in daily life and complex
thermal systems.

KEY POINTS:
 Objective:

Validate the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics by observing

thermal equilibrium between two bodies.

 Apparatus:

Includes a microwave oven, water and oil-filled beakers,

an alcoholic thermometer, and mercury thermometers.

 Working Principle:

Two bodies in equilibrium with a third body are also in

equilibrium with each other.

 Procedure: Incrementally heat the systems, record

temperatures, and observe temperature uniformity.
OBJECTIVE:
To verify the 0th Law of Thermodynamics

EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS:
The apparatus required for the experiment is given s
following:

1. Microwave Oven
2. Beakers filled with Water
3. Beaker filled with Oil
4. Alcoholic Thermometer
5. Two Mercury Thermometers

WORKING PRINCIPLE:
The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two bodies are
each in thermal equilibrium with a third body, they are also in
thermal equilibrium with each other. This principle allows the
definition of temperature and forms the foundation of
thermometry.

The experiment involves placing two objects in contact with a

third body, monitoring temperature changes, and confirming
that the bodies reach a uniform temperature, signifying thermal
equilibrium.

THEORY:
The factor “validate” is related with the fact of proving some
theory possible or correct. In this experiment, we will be
proving that Zeroth law of Thermodynamics makes sense and
can be applicable in our daily life.
 The zeroth law of thermodynamics is a fundamental principle
that establishes the concept of temperature and its uniformity
in thermal systems.

Statement:
“If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third
system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each
other.”

This law is the foundation upon which temperature

measurement and thermometry are built. By defining thermal
equilibrium as the absence of net heat transfer between
systems, the zeroth law allows for the quantitative comparison
of temperatures and the development of consistent
temperature scales.

I. THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM AND HEAT FLOW:

When two objects at different temperatures come into thermal
contact, heat energy flows from the hotter object to the cooler
one. This transfer occurs due to the temperature gradient
between them. Heat flow continues until both objects reach the
same temperature, a condition known as thermal equilibrium.

between the objects. A temperature gradient ‘ ∇T ’ is the

At this point, there is no net exchange of thermal energy

rate of change in temperature with respect to a specific

distance. It describes how temperature varies across a spatial
region or in a material. It is expressed as:
ΔT
Temperature Gradient (∇ T )=
Δx

The zeroth law simplifies this interaction by introducing a third

object, typically a thermometer or another thermal reservoir. If
object A is in thermal equilibrium with this third body (object C),
and object B is also in equilibrium with the same body, then
objects A and B must have the same temperature and thus are
in equilibrium with each other.
 II. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:
1. Thermometers as Reference Bodies: Zeroth law
provides foundation for having temperature scales, like
Celsius and Fahrenheit which are essential for precise
control and analysis for thermal processes. Thermometers
operate based on the zeroth law. The temperature of a
body is determined by bringing the thermometer into
thermal contact with it and allowing the system to
equilibrate. The thermometer measures its own
equilibrium state, which reflects the temperature of the
body under observation.

2. Foundation for Temperature Scales: The development

of temperature scales like Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin
relies on the zeroth law. These scales are defined using
fixed reference points, such as the freezing and boiling
points of water, which are consistent due to thermal
equilibrium principles.

3. Engineering and Industrial Relevance: Engineers use

this law to design and calibrate temperature measuring
devices such as thermometers and temperature sensors
ensuring accurate temperature measurements in various
applications. Thermal equilibrium plays a critical role in
material testing, heat engine design, and thermal
insulation studies. In processes where heat exchange is
inevitable, understanding and predicting equilibrium
states are essential for efficiency and control.

III. MOLECULAR PERSPECTIVE:

From a microscopic viewpoint, heat is the transfer of energy
due to molecular motion. In a hotter object, molecules vibrate
or move more vigorously compared to a cooler object. When
two objects are in contact, their molecules collide, and energy
is transferred from the higher-energy molecules to the lower-
energy ones. Over time, the molecular kinetic energies
equalize, leading to uniform temperatures across the system.
IV. RELEVANCE OF ZEROTH LAW IN MULTI-BODY
SYSTEMS:
The transitive nature of thermal equilibrium ensures
consistency across interconnected systems. For instance, if
object A is in thermal equilibrium with both object B and object
C, then objects B and C must also be in equilibrium with each
other. This property is crucial when dealing with complex
systems, such as those found in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning) systems, where multiple components must
work at consistent temperatures for optimal functionality.

V. Explanation:
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics does not have a specific
mathematical equation like other thermodynamic laws, as it is
more conceptual. However, its essence can be represented
symbolically to describe thermal equilibrium.

If three systems A, B, and C are involved:

Where:

TA=TB (System A is in thermal equilibrium with C).

And:

TB=TC (System B is in thermal equilibrium with C).

Then:

TA=TB (System A and B are in thermal equilibrium with

each other).

This relationship forms the basis for defining temperature and

ensures that the concept of temperature is transitivee. Where:
 TA = Temperature of Body A
 TB = Temperature of Body B
 TC = Temperature of Body C

PROCEDURE:

1) Take two beakers of 500ml filled with equal

volume of water and one bowl mustard oil
individually.

2) Take two mercury thermometers and an alcoholic

thermometer.

3) Check the surrounding temperature from one of

the thermometers. And note it as system’s
surrounding temperature.

4) Initially, the temperatures of both the beakers will

be same as surrounding which shows the validity
of zeroth law. Note it at your first reading and find
out the temperature difference. Use alcoholic
thermometer for temperature measurement of
 surrounding and mercury for one of the both
beakers.

5) Now switch on the electric microwave oven and

place the beakers in it along with alcoholic
thermometer. Mark the surrounding temperature
60 degrees in Celsius scale and start heating.
Take out the beakers after 5 minutes and take
the readings of their temperature and note it.

6) Now place the beakers again into the oven and

take multiple readings, each after 5 minutes.

7) Find out the temperature differences of the

beakers in each step.

OIL IN BEAKER
WATER IN BEAKER

Observations and Calculations:

We took two bowls of water and one bowl of oil at different

temperatures, noted their initial temperatures and then
 heated them until the thermometer reading showed
temperature of almost 400C.
Then we noted the final readings of both bowls.
No. of Temperature of Body ‘A’ Body ‘B’ Temperature
Observatio System and Temperature Temperatur Difference
n Surroundings (0C) e (A-B)
(0C) 0
( C)
- - Initial Final Initial Final -
1 16 16 16 16 16 0

2 60 16 20 16 21.5 1.5
3 60 20 26 21.5 25.7 0.3
4 60 26 29 25.7 28 1

Interpretation of Results:

From the results, we can see that the experiment gave

almost perfect readings, with a difference in range of
0.3-1.5.

Errors:

The small error in the readings is because of

 Personal errors.
 Lack of concentration and proper knowledge.
 Systematic errors.
 Wastage of time while measurement.
 Control volume condition.

Troubleshooting:

1.Temperature Measurement Issues:

Problem: Difficulty in obtaining accurate thermometer
readings due to parallax error.
Solution: Ensure eye level alignment when taking readings.

2.Inconsistent Heating:
Problem: Uneven temperature distribution due to
microwave limitations.

Solution: Rotate beakers inside the microwave at intervals.

3.Systematic Errors:
Problem: Errors caused by calibration issues in
thermometers.
Solution: Use calibrated thermometers and verify with
reference standards.

4.Delayed Readings:
Problem: Time lag in recording results might affect
accuracy.
Solution: Minimize delay between heating and recording
temperature.

Precautions:

 Handle the hot water with care.

 Avoid spillage of hot water on clothes and body.
 Turn off heat sources when they are not in use.
 Take all readings at eye level to avoid parallax

References:
 https://chatgpt.com/c/67383e19-a3a0-8011-93ed-
381cb687e7b0

https://www.scribd.com/document/512592910/To-validate-
the-Zeroth-Law-of-Thermodynamics