Absolute zero should be impossible

In summary, absolute zero is not a state of complete motionlessness, but rather a state of minimum possible motion according to quantum mechanics.
  • #1
coach950
So since heat comes from atoms vibrating and moving and as they go fast heat increases and when they go slower heat decreases. If I got this right absolute zero is when they give off no heat and this would mean that the atoms are not moving at all. Well then if that is how absolute zero works then it is impossible due to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. We could measure where they were and since they weren't moving we would know there momentum would be zero. So basically what I'm asking is that if Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is true then is absolute zero even possible.
 
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  • #2
coach950 said:
So since heat comes from atoms vibrating and moving and as they go fast heat increases and when they go slower heat decreases. If I got this right absolute zero is when they give off no heat and this would mean that the atoms are not moving at all. Well then if that is how absolute zero works then it is impossible due to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. We could measure where they were and since they weren't moving we would know there momentum would be zero. So basically what I'm asking is that if Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is true then is absolute zero even possible.

Read this article and tell us what you think:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_zero
 
  • #3
Absolute zero does not correspond to a system with zero motion. A system at absolute zero should be defined to be in its quantum mechanical ground state. While defining "motion" in quantum mechanics is a little different than classical physics, a system like a Fermi gas with a macroscopic number of particles at zero temperature will have many particles with a "velocity" [itex]p/m[/itex] on the order of [itex]10^6 m/s[/itex], even though it is a zero entropy state. Heisenberg uncertainty is unrelated to uncertainties due to thermal effects.
 
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What is absolute zero?

Absolute zero is the theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which all thermal motion of particles stops. It is equivalent to -273.15 degrees Celsius or 0 Kelvin.

Why is absolute zero considered impossible?

According to the third law of thermodynamics, it is impossible for any system to reach a temperature of absolute zero. This is because it would require an infinite amount of energy to remove all thermal energy from a system.

What evidence supports the impossibility of absolute zero?

Experiments have shown that as a substance approaches absolute zero, its properties start to change in unexpected ways, indicating that absolute zero may not be achievable. Additionally, the third law of thermodynamics has been confirmed through numerous experiments.

What would happen if absolute zero was reached?

If absolute zero was reached, all motion of particles would cease, making it impossible for any reactions or processes to occur. This would have significant consequences for the universe and could potentially lead to a breakdown of fundamental physical laws.

Could absolute zero ever be achieved in the future?

While it is currently believed to be impossible to reach absolute zero, advancements in technology and scientific understanding may one day make it possible. However, it is likely that achieving such a temperature would require immense amounts of energy and may not have practical applications.

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