Can Relativistic Matter Exist At Absolute Zero? - Explained

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This discussion addresses the theoretical implications of achieving absolute zero in relation to relativistic matter. It clarifies that at absolute zero, particles do not lose their rest energy or rest mass, despite having no thermal energy. The conversation highlights the distinction between classical and quantum contexts, noting that while absolute zero presents challenges in quantum theory, it poses no logical issues in classical physics. The participants emphasize that rest energy remains significant even when thermal energy is absent.

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James William Hall
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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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