Two bodies are in thermal equilibrium when
Correct answer: B. they are at the same temperature, so there is no net flow of heat between them
- A. they have the same mass
- B. they are at the same temperature, so there is no net flow of heat between them
- C. they contain the same amount of heat
- D. they are made of the same material
Explanation
Temperature is what decides the direction of heat flow, so equal temperatures mean no net transfer even if the two bodies hold very different amounts of internal energy. A cup of tea and a swimming pool at the same temperature are in equilibrium despite the pool storing far more energy. This is the content of the zeroth law, which is what makes a thermometer possible.
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About Thermal Equilibrium and Heat
Thermal equilibrium means that bodies in contact have the same temperature and no net heat flows between them. The topic distinguishes heat from temperature, uses the zeroth law of thermodynamics, and covers heat transfer, specific heat capacity, thermal expansion and the conditions for reaching equilibrium.
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