In
heat transfer and
thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat, Work (thermodynamics), work, and temperature, and their relation to energy, entropy, and the physical properties of matter and radiation. The behavior of these quantities is governed b ...
, a
thermodynamic system
A thermodynamic system is a body of matter and/or radiation separate from its surroundings that can be studied using the laws of thermodynamics.
Thermodynamic systems can be passive and active according to internal processes. According to inter ...
is said to be in thermal contact with another system if it can exchange energy through the process of
heat. Perfect thermal isolation is an idealization as real systems are always in thermal contact with their environment to some extent.
When two solid bodies are in contact, a resistance to
heat transfer exists between the bodies. The study of
heat conduction between such bodies is called
thermal contact conductance (or thermal contact resistance).
References
See also
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Thermal equilibrium - When two objects A and B are in thermal contact and there is no net transfer of thermal energy from A to B or from B to A, they are said to be in thermal equilibrium. The majority of objects experiencing thermal equilibrium still do exchange thermal energy but do so equally so that the net heat transfer is zero.
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Perfect thermal contact
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Zeroth law of thermodynamics - When two objects A and B are in thermal equilibrium with a third object C then, A and B are said to be in thermal equilibrium with each other.
Thermodynamics
Heat transfer
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