1. What is Thermal Equilibrium?

Thermal equilibrium occurs when two or more substances in contact reach the same temperature after heat exchange. The equilibrium temperature can be calculated using the principle of conservation of energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the thermal equilibrium equation:

Where:

• \( T_{eq} \) — Equilibrium temperature (°C)
• \( m_i \) — Mass of each substance (kg)
• \( c_i \) — Specific heat capacity of each substance (J/kg·°C)
• \( T_i \) — Initial temperature of each substance (°C)

Explanation: The equation calculates the weighted average temperature based on the heat capacities of the substances involved.

3. Importance of Thermal Equilibrium Calculation

Details: Calculating equilibrium temperature is essential in thermodynamics, engineering, cooking, and any situation where heat transfer between substances occurs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of substances first, then fill in mass, specific heat, and temperature for each substance. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if the substances have different phases?
A: This calculator assumes no phase change occurs. For phase changes, you would need to account for latent heat.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for ideal conditions where heat loss to the environment is negligible and substances are well-mixed.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent units - kg for mass, J/kg·°C for specific heat, and °C for temperature.

Q4: Can I use this for gases?
A: Yes, as long as you use the correct specific heat value for the gas at constant pressure or volume.

Q5: What about heat loss to the container?
A: For precise calculations, you may need to account for the container's heat capacity by treating it as an additional substance.