Question

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics tells us that a) there is a temperature of absolute zero. b) the freezing point of water is \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) c) two systems cannot be in thermal equilibrium with a third system. d) thermal energy is conserved. e) it is possible to construct a thermometer to measure the temperature of any system.

Short answer

a) There is a temperature of absolute zero. b) The freezing point of water is \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). c) Two systems cannot be in thermal equilibrium with a third system. d) Thermal energy is conserved. e) It is possible to construct a thermometer to measure the temperature of any system. Answer: e) It is possible to construct a thermometer to measure the temperature of any system.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics basically states that if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other. In other words, if system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B and system B is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C. Now, let's analyze each statement: a) The statement suggests that there is a temperature of absolute zero, which means a state where there is no thermal energy. This concept is related to the Third Law of Thermodynamics and not the Zeroth Law. b) The statement claims that the freezing point of water is \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). This fact is actually related to the definition of the Celsius temperature scale and is not directly related to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics. c) This statement says that two systems cannot be in thermal equilibrium with a third system. This is not true according to the Zeroth Law, which says that if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are in equilibrium with each other. d) The statement suggests that thermal energy is conserved. This statement is closely related to the First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. e) The statement claims that it is possible to construct a thermometer to measure the temperature of any system. This statement is related to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics, as it implies that if we can measure the temperature of any system, we can compare temperatures among different systems.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct statement according to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is (e) it is possible to construct a thermometer to measure the temperature of any system.