Question

Explain why two bodies at different temperatures T₁ and T₂ if brought in thermal contact do not necessarily settle to the mean temperature (T₁ + T₂)/2.

Answer 1

we know, When Two bodies at different temperatures $T_1$ and $T_2$ if brought in thermal contact , heat flows from the body at higher temperature to the body at lower temperature , till both attain thermal equilibrium. or we can say that temperature of both bodies become $\left(\frac{T_1+T_2}{2}\right)$.

but this is possible only when heat capacity of both bodies are same. because we know that heat supplies to the body is directly proportional to hear capacity. and if heat capacities of both bodies are different then definitely heat gained by bodies must be different.

hence, it is clear that two bodies at different temperatures $T_1$ and $T_2$ if brought in thermal contact do not necessarily settle to the mean temperature $\left(\frac{T_1+T_2}{2}\right)$.