Blundell Thermal Physics · Problem 2.5

Heat

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · thermal-equilibrium-two-bodies

Problem

Two bodies, with heat capacities C1C_1 and C2C_2 (assumed independent of temperature) and initial temperatures T1T_1 and T2T_2 respectively, are placed in thermal contact. Show that their final temperature TfT_f is given by Tf=(C1T1+C2T2)/(C1+C2)T_f = (C_1 T_1 + C_2 T_2)/(C_1 + C_2). If C1C_1 is much larger than C2C_2, show that Tf≈T1+C2(T2−T1)/C1T_f \approx T_1 + C_2(T_2 - T_1)/C_1.

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