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QPage 11: Q1: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Heat and Temperature Page 11: Q1 Solution: If two bodies are in thermal equilibrium in one frame, will…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often incorrectly assume that temperature changes due to the relative motion of the observer, confusing the bulk kinetic energy of the system with the internal random thermal energy. Remember that temperature is a scalar invariant in classical thermodynamics, meaning it remains constant across all inertial frames regardless of the frame's uniform velocity.

If two bodies are in thermal equilibrium in one frame, will they be in thermal equilibrium in all frames?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** Yes, they will be in thermal equilibrium in all inertial frames. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Thermal equilibrium means the two bodies have the same temperature. In classical thermodynamics, temperature is a scalar invariant under Galilean transformations. The random thermal motion of molecules is independent of the uniform motion of the observer's frame. Hence, if two bodies are at the same temperature in one inertial frame, they remain at the same temperature in all inertial frames.

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