The discussion revolves around the behavior of gas particles at absolute zero, specifically questioning whether motion is still possible at this temperature. The subject area includes concepts from thermodynamics and quantum mechanics, particularly relating to Bose-Einstein Condensates.
The discussion includes various interpretations of gas behavior at absolute zero, with some participants providing insights into quantum mechanics principles like the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP). There is an ongoing exploration of the characteristics of gas particles under these conditions, but no consensus has been reached.
Participants note that the original homework question differs slightly from the initial inquiry, focusing on the characteristics of gas particles at absolute zero rather than just their motion.
DaveC426913 said:Read up on Bose-Einstein Condensates.
Is this a homework question?
No. If they stopped moving they would violate HUP. What happens is that the atoms "smear out" into what's called Bose-Einstein Condensate.heavystray said:I read some articles that say the gas particles will stop moving
DaveC426913 said:No. If they stopped moving they would violate HUP. What happens is that the atoms "smear out" into what's called Bose-Einstein Condensate.
Basically, the more their movement becomes known (i.e. approaches zero) the more their position becomes unknown (they smear out).