Is Entropy Zero at Absolute Zero?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Delzac
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Entropy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

At absolute zero (0 K), the entropy of a perfect crystal is defined to be zero according to the Third Law of Thermodynamics. Despite the presence of zero-point energy, which allows for vibrational motion of atoms, this does not contribute to entropy because the system is in its ground state with a unique arrangement of particles. Therefore, while atoms may vibrate, the lack of disorder in a perfect crystal at absolute zero results in zero entropy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Third Law of Thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with concepts of entropy and thermodynamic systems
  • Knowledge of zero-point energy in quantum mechanics
  • Basic principles of statistical mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the Third Law of Thermodynamics
  • Study the concept of zero-point energy in quantum systems
  • Explore statistical mechanics and its relation to entropy
  • Investigate real-world applications of thermodynamic principles at low temperatures
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

Delzac
Messages
389
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

first of all i would wish to take reference from this thread.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=129153"

Can someone answer this qns...since atoms at absolute zero can still be vibrating, the entropy will be not zero for all molecules in this world at 0 K right?

Q 1. Pls ans simply, as in give a yes or no ans 1st, then explain, i am quite confused in this topic...:P

Any help will be appreciated!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Q2 .another qns, it is said that a perfect crystal will have zero entropy at 0 K, but shouldn't it have some form of vibrational energy in it(Zero-point energy), with a bit of motion, there should be more that one way to arrange the molecules...so how can it have zero entropy?
 

Similar threads

Entropy and the Laws of Thermodynamics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Why is 0 K unattainable?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Computing entropy change of ideal gas during heating
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Entropy in system of non-degenerate atoms
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Problem with refrigerator and radiator
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Measure Entropy: Can Absolute Entropy be Zero?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Heat death of the universe and the 3rd law of thermodynamics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
High School How Does Entropy Relate to the Arrow of Time in the Early Universe?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Thermodynamics of a Single-Component Ideal Gas
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Entropy of Objects and the Universe
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K