Is there any state of matter colder than solid?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether solid is the coldest state of matter. Participants explore various states of matter, including liquids and Bose-Einstein condensates, in relation to temperature and phase transitions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that solid may not be the coldest state of matter, citing helium, which remains liquid down to absolute zero under normal pressures.
  • Others mention that Bose-Einstein condensates can form at very low temperatures, potentially representing a "colder" state than solids.
  • A participant seeks clarification on what a Bose-Einstein condensate is, indicating a lack of understanding of the concept.
  • One participant explains that Bose-Einstein condensates occur when a large number of identical bosons occupy the same quantum state due to their quantum properties.
  • Another participant notes that ##^3 He## can remain liquid at temperatures lower than its solid state under certain pressure conditions, introducing the idea of exothermic melting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether solid is the coldest state of matter, with some supporting the idea that other states like Bose-Einstein condensates and liquid helium exist at lower temperatures. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive coldest state of matter.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the quantum mechanics involved in Bose-Einstein condensates, particularly for younger participants who may not yet have the background knowledge to fully grasp the concepts discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the properties of different states of matter, phase transitions, and the underlying quantum mechanics, particularly those at a beginner level or with curiosity about advanced topics in physics.

Quantum Velocity
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I know that Quark-gluon plasma is the hotter state of matter that we know.
Soo is solid the coldest state of matter ?
If there is no so sorry for my stupid brain!
 
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Quantum Velocity said:
is solid the coldest state of matter

Not necessarily. First, at least one substance--helium--never forms a solid at ordinary pressures, it stays liquid all the way down to absolute zero.

Second, at cold enough temperatures, some materials can form Bose-Einstein condensates, which could be thought of as a "colder" state of matter than an ordinary solid.
 
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ok thanks for helping
 
PeterDonis said:
some materials can form Bose-Einstein condensates, which could be thought of as a "colder" state of matter than an ordinary solid.
what is a Bose-Einstein condnsates i seach in google but i don't understand it
 
Quantum Velocity said:
what is a Bose-Einstein condnsates

Basically it's when a large number of identical bosons (quantum particles with integral spin) are all in the same quantum state; this happens because when one boson is in a given state, the probability for other identical bosons to be in the same quantum state increases.

Quantum Velocity said:
i seach in google

Did you find this page?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bose–Einstein_condensate
 
Im just a 13 years old kid i don't understand the wiki stuff unless some one explain it to me.
But thanks u btw!
 
Quantum Velocity said:
Im just a 13 years old kid

Then you probably don't (yet) have the background knowledge to understand the theory behind Bose-Einstein condensates. If and when you get to the point of studying quantum mechanics in general, you will be in a better position to do so.
 
Basically Bose-Einstein condensates are supercooled matter in which all atoms are at the lowest energy state.
 
PeterDonis said:
Then you probably don't (yet) have the background knowledge to understand the theory behind Bose-Einstein condensates
i even still have a hard time with calculus
 
  • #10
PeterDonis said:
Not necessarily. First, at least one substance--helium--never forms a solid at ordinary pressures, it stays liquid all the way down to absolute zero.

At a certain pressure range, ##^3 He## is actually liquid at a lower temperature than where it's solid - an exothermic melting by cooling.
 
  • #11
hilbert2 said:
exothermic melting
Wow there is a melting by throw alway heat
 

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