Is Negative Kelvin a Real Concept?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Chemmjr18
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    Kelvin Negative
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SUMMARY

Negative Kelvin is a real concept in thermodynamics, specifically relating to systems that exhibit negative temperature. This phenomenon occurs in certain physical systems, such as those with inverted population distributions, where adding energy decreases entropy. The discussion highlights the distinction between negative Kelvin and negative temperature, emphasizing that negative Kelvin is not a conventional temperature but rather a state of thermodynamic equilibrium. For further insights, the article referenced provides a comprehensive explanation of this concept.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with temperature scales and their implications
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics
  • Basic grasp of entropy and energy distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of negative temperature in statistical mechanics
  • Explore systems that exhibit negative Kelvin, such as laser-cooled atoms
  • Study the relationship between entropy and temperature in thermodynamic systems
  • Read the article on negative temperature provided at http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/ParticleAndNuclear/neg_temperature.html
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, thermodynamics students, and researchers interested in advanced concepts of temperature and entropy in physical systems.

Chemmjr18
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I recently saw an article that talked about negative Kelvin. How's this possible?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Can you point us to the article?
 

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