System and Surroundings

The Zeroth law of thermodynamics manages the temperature of a system. A system can be defined as a collection of objects that can be identified easily. Everything that does come under the system is referred to as surrounding. In this article, we will discuss the system and surroundings and their related topics in detail.

What are the System and Surroundings? 

The system in chemistry can be defined as nothing more than a wide collection of objects that can be easily identified. Generally, the word “system” refers to a collection that makes you think about the problem more easily. The surrounding can be defined as everything else not included in the system. 

For example, if the system is being studied in the house, the surrounding will be everything else but not in the house, such as the general environment around the house, other houses in the same locality, etc. Further systems are classified into three different types. These include: 

• Isolated – In an isolated system, there is no exchange of energy or matter with the surroundings. 
• Open – In an open system, both energy and matter can exchange with the surroundings
• Closed – In a closed system, only energy can exchange with the surroundings. 

Most of the time, the isolated system is referred to as the most convenient system out of all as outside influence can be ignored completely. Two balls rolling on a smooth surface that strikes one another is a common example of an isolated system. On the other hand, the same balls rolling on a thick carpet or gravel path, which is highly influenced by the friction caused, is not considered an isolated system. 

Introduction to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

The Zeroth law of thermodynamics is the most important law suggested by thermodynamics. This law was created by Ralph H. Fowler. Initially, it was believed that the Zeroth law of thermodynamics was constructed way after the three laws of thermodynamics. There was a lot of confusion regarding its name. Finally, the conflict ended with the introduction of the Zeroth law of thermodynamics, as it provides a clearer temperature idea in regards to thermal equilibrium. 

The Zeroth law of thermodynamics can be defined as a body ‘X’ along with another body ‘Y’ in thermal equilibrium with a body ‘Z’. Bodies ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ are most likely to be in thermal equilibrium with one other. However, there are several different ways to state the temperature measurement. 

According to the Zeroth law of thermodynamics, the temperature is worth measuring for predicting whether heat is going to be transferred between different objects or not. No matter if the two objects are in physical contact with each other or not, the heat can still travel between those. 

Applications and Examples of Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

For the mathematical formulation of thermodynamics, the Zeroth law of thermodynamics is exceptionally important as it states a clear definition of temperature. At most times, this law is used to compare the temperature of several different objects. If you want to measure the temperature, you will require a reference body and a specific character of that body that can influence the overall temperature. 

The change in the characteristics might be taken as the change in the temperature. These characteristics, which are explicitly selected, are termed thermodynamic properties.

The Zeroth law is in action in the thermometers having mercury in a tube. Every time the temperature increases, this mercury present in the tube tends to expand; however, the tube area remains constant. This is the reason why the height also increases. The increase in height helps to measure the accurate temperature of the body. 

There are several different types of thermometers that are used commonly based on their thermometric property. These are as follows- 

Thermometer

Another common example of this law is two water glasses. One will have cold water, whereas another glass will consist of hot water. If we place them in a room for a few hours, they are most likely to attain thermal equilibrium with the room temperature. 

Conclusion 

Generally, the word “system” refers to a collection that makes you think about the problem more easily. Systems and surroundings are one of the most critical terms of chemistry. In this article, we studied systems and surroundings in length. We also covered other important concepts, such as the Zeroth law of thermodynamics, in detail. In the end, we discussed applications of the Zeroth law of thermodynamics. This study material on systems and surroundings must have helped to attain a greater understanding of systems and surroundings along with other related topics.