Answer:
Thermal equilibrium is a state in which two systems are at the same temperature and there is no net transfer of heat between them.
Here are some examples of thermal equilibrium:
- A cup of coffee left to cool on the counter will eventually reach the same temperature as the surrounding air.
- A pot of water on the stove will eventually reach the same temperature as the stovetop.
- Two objects that are in contact with each other will eventually reach the same temperature.
- A room that is heated by a furnace will eventually reach the same temperature as the furnace.
In each of these examples, the two systems are exchanging heat until they reach the same temperature. Once they reach the same temperature, there is no net transfer of heat between them and they are said to be in thermal equilibrium.