I Can Relativistic Matter Exist At Absolute Zero? - Explained

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Relativistic matter could theoretically exist at absolute zero, where classical momentum would be zero, but particles would not cease to exist. Absolute zero indicates no thermal energy, meaning particles are at rest relative to each other, yet rest energy, including mass and chemical potential, remains. The concept of reaching absolute zero presents challenges when considering quantum theory, although there are no logical issues in non-quantum scenarios. The discussion clarifies that particles retain energy at absolute zero, contrary to some misconceptions. Understanding these principles is crucial for exploring the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.
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A question about relativistic matter
If it were possible to obtain absolute zero, could relativistic matter exist when classical momentum would be zero? Would a particle cease to exist? I can't do the math. Thank you for reading my question.
 
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I presume you are thinking of the rest energy/rest mass of a particle and have read that particles have no energy at absolute zero. The latter is incorrect - absolute zero just means no thermal energy, i.e. that all an object's particles are at rest with respect to each other, and not rotating or vibrating or anything like that. Rest energy (including mass, chemical potential, etc) would remain.

There are problems with reaching absolute zero even in principle once you introduce quantum theory, but there's no logical problem with it in non-quantum contexts.
 
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Ibix said:
I presume you are thinking of the rest energy/rest mass of a particle and have read that particles have no energy at absolute zero. The latter is incorrect - absolute zero just means no thermal energy, i.e. that all an object's particles are at rest with respect to each other, and not rotating or vibrating or anything like that. Rest energy (including mass, chemical potential, etc) would remain.

There are problems with reaching absolute zero even in principle once you introduce quantum theory, but there's no logical problem with it in non-quantum contexts.
Thank you, Ibix.
 
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