Can heat transfer break an equilibrium?

In summary, the placement of a metal in a room with air of a similar temperature will not result in heat transfer between them. The temperature cannot be set at a value where it crosses the heat capacity, as this is not a valid comparison. The key principle to remember is that heat always flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature.
  • #1
gaurav_samanta
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Here is one scenario:

I have placed a metal in my room which is at room temperature. Air has little much heat capacity and metals don't like to store heat. Would heat transfer occur? Whatif I set the temperature of both to a certain degree where it crosses heat capacity of metal but not of air?
 
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  • #2
You can't set a temperature at a value where it crosses a heat capacity. It's kind of comparing apples to oranges.
Are you trying to imply the room and the metal bar won't reach a common temperature?
 
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  • #3
What do you mean by temperature crossing heat capacity.
 
  • #4
gaurav_samanta said:
I have placed a metal in my room which is at room temperature. Air has little much heat capacity and metals don't like to store heat. Would heat transfer occur?
Heat capacity aside, the really important principle of thermodynamics is not complicated --- heat flows from higher temperatures to lower temperatures. Put two objects (like metal and air) together with the same temperature, and no heat will flow between them, regardless of the materials they are made of.
 
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Related to Can heat transfer break an equilibrium?

1. Can heat transfer cause a system to move away from equilibrium?

Yes, heat transfer can cause a system to move away from equilibrium. When heat is transferred from one part of a system to another, it can disrupt the balance of energy and cause a change in the system's overall temperature, leading to a shift away from equilibrium.

2. How does heat transfer affect equilibrium?

Heat transfer can affect equilibrium by changing the distribution of energy within a system. If heat is added or removed from a system, it can cause a change in temperature and alter the equilibrium state of the system.

3. Can heat transfer break an equilibrium in a closed system?

Yes, heat transfer can break an equilibrium in a closed system. In a closed system, heat can be transferred between different parts of the system, leading to changes in temperature and a shift away from equilibrium.

4. Is heat transfer the only factor that can break an equilibrium?

No, heat transfer is not the only factor that can break an equilibrium. Other factors such as changes in pressure, concentration, or volume can also affect equilibrium and cause a system to move away from its balanced state.

5. Can heat transfer restore an equilibrium?

Yes, heat transfer can restore an equilibrium. In some cases, adding or removing heat from a system can bring it back to equilibrium by balancing out any changes in temperature caused by other factors. However, this is not always the case and other factors may need to be considered to fully restore equilibrium.

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