in thermal equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in thermal equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and thermodynamics, to describe a state where two or more systems have reached a condition where their temperatures are equal and there is no net heat transfer between them. Example: "The two bodies were placed in contact until they reached a state in thermal equilibrium."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conductance reaches its maximum value as the system is in thermal equilibrium.

Nature

The steam thus generated is usually in thermal equilibrium with the bulk liquid.

Nature

It says that if a and b are in thermal equilibrium, if these two are in thermal equilibrium, meaning that there's no heat flows between them, so that's the definition of thermal equilibrium, that no heat flows between them, and these two are in thermal equilibrium, and these two are in thermal equilibrium, then a and c will be also be in thermal equilibrium.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, the first two systems are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two systems which are individually in thermal equilibrium with a third are in thermal equilibrium with each other; all three systems have the same value of the property called temperature.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, now you have this object which is going to tell you whether other things are in thermal equilibrium now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When they are in thermal equilibrium with their surroundings, he said, they ought to absorb and emit the same amount of radiation and therefore be indistinguishable.

MIT Technology Review

Rigorously treating this free-carrier-induced EO effect, the carrier-density Ne and Nh distributions in thermal equilibrium follow the Poisson-Boltzmann distribution15.

Nature

So if I get rid of these arrows, there's no heat flowing because they're in thermal equilibrium, then I can't have an arrow here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This supports the suggested pathway in Fig. 5a, and further detailed in Supplementary Fig. 5, in which IS and Int2 are in thermal equilibrium before the reaction proceeds in a Diels Alder step.

Nature

The cold electrons are in thermal equilibrium while the hot electron population follows a nonthermal distribution.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about systems reaching a stable state, ensure that you explicitly define what "thermal equilibrium" entails in that specific context, as it can have nuanced meanings depending on the field (e.g. physics, chemistry, engineering).

Common error

Avoid using "in thermal equilibrium" interchangeably with static equilibrium. Thermal equilibrium specifically refers to the balance of temperature, while static equilibrium refers to a state where all forces are balanced, resulting in no net movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in thermal equilibrium" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, specifying the condition or state of a system. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English, and is often found in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in thermal equilibrium" is a commonly used term, particularly in scientific and academic contexts, to describe a state where a system's components have reached the same temperature, and there's no net flow of heat. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. It's crucial to differentiate this term from other types of equilibrium. When you use this term, ensure the audience understands that it strictly pertains to temperature balance. Several alternatives such as "at thermal balance" or "in thermodynamic equilibrium" exist for varied emphasis, though all carry a similar core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at thermal balance

Emphasizes the balance aspect rather than the equilibrium process.

in thermodynamic equilibrium

Highlights the broader thermodynamic context.

in a state of thermal balance

Adds emphasis to the concept of a state.

in a condition of thermal equilibrium

Replaces "state" with "condition", slightly altering the emphasis.

having reached thermal equilibrium

Focuses on the process of reaching the equilibrium.

in thermal homeostasis

Emphasizes the stability and maintenance of temperature.

with no net heat transfer

Describes the state by specifying the absence of heat exchange.

at uniform temperature

Specifies that the temperature is the same throughout the system.

in a steady thermal state

Highlights the stability over time.

at a stable temperature

Focuses on the stability of temperature.

FAQs

How is "in thermal equilibrium" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "in thermal equilibrium" describes a state where two or more systems have the same temperature and there is no net heat flow between them. It's crucial for explaining stable states in thermodynamic systems.

What are some synonyms for "in thermal equilibrium"?

Alternatives to "in thermal equilibrium" include "at thermal balance", "in thermodynamic equilibrium", or describing the system as having "no net heat transfer".

What does the zeroth law of thermodynamics say about "in thermal equilibrium"?

The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are "in thermal equilibrium" with each other. This law provides the basis for temperature measurement.

How does entropy relate to a system "in thermal equilibrium"?

Entropy in a closed system tends to increase until the system reaches thermal equilibrium. At this point, entropy is maximized, and the system is in its most stable state with no further net changes occurring.