Statistical Mechanics - Maximum Temperature

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Statistical Mechanics -- Maximum Temperature

We know that at zero degrees kelvin the only energy is zero point energy.
As we heat a substance, the atoms move faster and faster. The question is,
is there a maximum temperature since the fastest a atom can move is the speed of light?
 
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starzero said:
We know that at zero degrees kelvin the only energy is zero point energy.
As we heat a substance, the atoms move faster and faster. The question is,
is there a maximum temperature since the fastest a atom can move is the speed of light?

No, because there is no maximum energy for any single particle. It is not defined by the speed. The energy approaches infinity as the speed approaches the speed of light.
 


starzero said:
We know that at zero degrees kelvin the only energy is zero point energy.
As we heat a substance, the atoms move faster and faster. The question is,
is there a maximum temperature since the fastest a atom can move is the speed of light?

A maximum temperature (Planck temperature) is theorized, but is not due to the speed of light limit.
 

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