Absolute Zero: Lowest Possible Temp? Evidence Explained

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Absolute zero is defined as the lowest possible temperature, where all particle motion ceases. This concept is derived from the behavior of gases, specifically illustrated through temperature versus volume graphs, which demonstrate that gas volume decreases linearly with temperature until reaching absolute zero. Theoretical extrapolation of these graphs indicates that all gases converge at this point, confirming absolute zero as a universal constant. Experimental evidence supports this theory, reinforcing the understanding of temperature as a measure of kinetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and its relation to temperature
  • Familiarity with gas laws, particularly Charles's Law
  • Basic knowledge of graph interpretation in scientific contexts
  • Concept of absolute zero in thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of absolute zero in quantum mechanics
  • Explore experimental methods used to approach absolute zero, such as laser cooling
  • Study the behavior of different gases as they approach absolute zero
  • Learn about the third law of thermodynamics and its relation to absolute zero
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, thermodynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of temperature and energy.

MalayInd
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
How can we say that Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature?
Is there any experimental evidence for it?

Keep Smiling
Malay
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Temperature is a measure of the kinetic energy (movement) of the particles in a substance. Theoretically, absolute zero is the temperature at which everything stops moving, making it the lowest possible temperature.

People first got the idea from looking at temperature vs. volume graphs of gasses. At constant pressure, they are directly proportional and form a straight line. Imagine a graph with a y intercept of 5 liters at 0 degrees celsius. As you decrease temperature into the negatives, the volume will decrease linearly until a certain point. What happens at the x intercept, with zero volume? The answer is the same for all gases and is called absolute zero. If you extend the line enough, you get to the lowest temperature possible
 

Similar threads

High School Electrons at Absolute Zero -- do they still move?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Quantum Effects Prevent Reaching Absolute Zero?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Why is there no maximum temperature?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
15K
High School What would happen to perception if temperatures almost reached absolute zero?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Why is 0 K unattainable?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
High School Volume of a solid at absolute zero
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Relativistic Matter Exist At Absolute Zero? - Explained
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Chemistry What is "gauge pressure" and how does a manometer work?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Absolute zeros other than temperature (e.g. pressure)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding the historical shift away from absolute simultaneity
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K