Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsHeat and Temperature
Consider a system X that is neither in thermal equilibrium with system Y nor with system Z . The systems Y and Z
Options
- Amust have the same temperature as system X
- Bmust be in thermal equilibrium
- Ccannot be in thermal equilibrium
- Dmay be in thermal equilibrium
Correct answer
D. may be in thermal equilibrium
Step-by-step solution
Let T_X , T_Y , and T_Z be the temperatures of systems X , Y , and Z respectively. Since system X is not in thermal equilibrium with system Y , T_X T_Y . Since system X is not in thermal equilibrium with system Z , T_X T_Z . From these two conditions, it is possible that T_Y = T_Z (for example, T_X = 10^ C , T_Y = 20^ C , T_Z = 20^ C ) or T_Y T_Z (for example, T_X = 10^ C , T_Y = 20^ C , T_Z = 30^ C ). Thus, systems Y and Z may or may not be in thermal equilibrium.