Is it possible for two bodies to be in thermal equilibrium if they are not in contact?


Yes, it possible for two bodies to be in thermal equilibrium if they are not in contact. By definition, even if two objects are not in direct contact, if they are in a closed system they will come into thermal equilibrium with each other if they are in thermal contact. Thermal equilibrium in a closed system is achieved by heat exchange. Suppose there are two bodies X and Y that are not in contact with each other. These two bodies are in contact with another body say, Z. Then according to the Zeroth law of thermodynamics the bodies X and Y will be in thermal equilibrium with each other as X is in thermal equilibrium with Z and Y is in thermal equilibrium with Z. Therefore, it is evident that two bodies can be in thermal equilibrium even if they are not in contact.


1
1