Is it possible to achieve absolute zero?

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SUMMARY

Absolute zero, defined as 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius, cannot be achieved according to the laws of thermodynamics. As a system approaches absolute zero, it asymptotically approaches the temperature of the cooling agent, never reaching it due to quantum mechanical zero-point energy. The cosmic microwave background, at approximately 3 Kelvin, establishes the coldest temperature found in the universe. Therefore, while theoretical discussions may suggest otherwise, practical limitations prevent reaching absolute zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, particularly the laws governing temperature and energy.
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics, specifically concepts like zero-point energy.
  • Knowledge of the cosmic microwave background and its significance in astrophysics.
  • Basic grasp of Charles' Law and its limitations in low-temperature physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the Third Law of Thermodynamics on reaching absolute zero.
  • Explore quantum mechanics textbooks to understand zero-point motion at absolute zero.
  • Investigate experimental techniques used to measure temperatures approaching absolute zero.
  • Learn about the cosmic microwave background and its role in defining the universe's temperature limits.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental limits of temperature and energy in the universe.

  • #31
Thermo said:
You don't need to humiliate me. That's why students don't ask questions their mentors. Anyway, yea I've read it but then it is not polynomial degradation when you leave the sun to the outer space? Because you will achieve the 0 or even below if you do so.
Don't feel bad. Posters in this forum act like they have solved all the mysteries of the universe. Just get used to them.

Many of you here are missing one point. Temperature, energy and many other physical variables have and measured from a Reference point. One direction from the reference point is positive and opposite direction is negative. Celsius temperature scale is the most simplest example, reference point is 0OC, freezing of water and blah blah, you already know it.
My question is "Why absolute zero is not a reference temperature"?
 
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  • #32
Neandethal00 said:
Don't feel bad. Posters in this forum act like they have solved all the mysteries of the universe.

No, we just hold people to a higher standard in discussions than most other people do.

Neandethal00 said:
Many of you here are missing one point. Temperature, energy and many other physical variables have and measured from a Reference point. One direction from the reference point is positive and opposite direction is negative. Celsius temperature scale is the most simplest example, reference point is 0OC, freezing of water and blah blah, you already know it.
My question is "Why absolute zero is not a reference temperature"?

It's not a reference point in the way you're thinking because there is only a finite amount of energy that can be given up by an object. This is called its internal enregy. At absolute zero all of this internal energy is gone. There is no more for it to give up, hence the object cannot go below absolute zero, and because of thermodynamics it can't even reach absolute zero. We've taken the zero point on our kelvin temperature scale and set it to absolute zero so that nothing can go below zero kelvin.
 
  • #33
The OP's question, and some additional questions arising from it, have all been answered. Thread closed.
 

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