thermodynamic equilibrium (C1)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /ˌθɜːrmədaɪˈnæmɪk ɪk.wɪˈlɪbriəm/
Definition
A state where the temperature and pressure are uniform throughout a system, and there are no net flows of heat or matter.
Examples
The coffee reached thermodynamic equilibrium with the room after a few hours, and its temperature stabilized.
In a thermodynamic equilibrium state, the entropy of the system is maximized.
How to Use thermodynamic equilibrium
- reach thermodynamic equilibrium (verb phrase)
- to achieve a state of uniform temperature and pressure — "The system will reach thermodynamic equilibrium after a few hours."
- in thermodynamic equilibrium (prepositional phrase)
- in a state of uniform temperature and pressure — "The reaction occurs in thermodynamic equilibrium."
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