The zeroth law of thermodynamics is redundant

Abstract

We reconsider the basic building blocks of classical phenomenological thermodynamics. While doing so we show that the zeroth law is a redundant postulate for the theory by deriving it from the first and the second laws. This is in stark contrast to the prevalent conception that the three laws, the zeroth, first and second, are all necessary and independent axioms.

11 pages, 5 figures

Cited by in corpus (2)

• Smooth entropy in axiomatic thermodynamics
• Zeroth Law in Quantum Thermodynamics at Strong Coupling: `in Equilibrium', not `Equal Temperature'