On the zeroth law of thermodynamics
The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two thermodynamic systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
A = B, B = C implies A = C is known as a transitive relation..
The fact that temperature obeys such a transitive property is by no means intuitive! Take a look at some of these examples:
If A likes B; B likes C; Does not imply that A likes C.
The city closest to city A is B, the city closest to B is C, but A is not always the closest to C
Or this popular example.
Rock > Scissors, Scissors > Paper. But Rock > Paper is definitely not true
To remind us that temperature obeys a transitive property is the reason why there exists a zeroth law of thermodynamics.
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