thermal equilibrium

American  

noun

Thermodynamics.

1. the relationship between two systems connected only by a diathermic wall.

2. the relationship between two isolated systems the states of which are such that no net transfer of energy would occur between them if they were connected by a diathermic wall.

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thermal equilibrium Scientific  

1. The condition under which two substances in physical contact with each other exchange no heat energy. Two substances in thermal equilibrium are said to be at the same temperature.

2. See also thermodynamics

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thermal equilibrium Cultural  

1. In physics and chemistry, a condition in which all parts of a system are at the same temperature.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thermal equilibrium

The USC researchers realized that light in these nonlinear environments behaves much like a gas moving toward thermal equilibrium, where random collisions eventually create a stable distribution of energy.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2025

Nandkishore explained that almost everything in the universe, from cups of coffee to vast oceans, tends to move toward what scientists call "thermal equilibrium."

From Science Daily ● Jan. 24, 2024

That’s because the spread of energies available is reduced when there’s thermal equilibrium.

From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2023

The universe began in a "wound-up" state far from thermal equilibrium.

From Scientific American ● May 26, 2019

If this disturbed the thermal equilibrium, we could construct cyclic processes to take advantage of the resulting flow of heat to do mechanical work, and such processes might be carried on without limit.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various