Is there some type of Thermal Ceiling?

In summary, there is a limit to how high temperature can get, as molecules can only have so much kinetic energy before causing a black hole. However, there are also other factors at play, such as the density of atoms and the addition of infrared electromagnetic energy. On the other hand, temperature cannot go lower than absolute zero.
  • #1
Plasma
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Temperature can't get lower than absolute zero, so is there some point in which it can't get higher?
 
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  • #2
In some situations there is, for example you cannot focus sunlight to heat something above the temperature of the sun.
 
  • #3
I suppose one upper limit of temperature would be when molecules have enough kinetic energy to be moving at near c. Of course, there's still the issue of how dense the distribution of those atoms are. And then you could always add IR EM.
 
  • #4
  • #5
I suppose one upper limit of temperature would be when molecules have enough kinetic energy to be moving at near c.

Kinetic energy can be large without bound, all it does is add more nines i.e. .99999c instead of .999c.

As an upper limit, too much concentrated energy will rip a (black) hole in the universe. It would be quite a spectacle to watch a motor with 10^60 horsepower rip itself into a black hole.
 

1. What is a thermal ceiling?

A thermal ceiling is a concept that refers to the maximum temperature at which a material or system can operate without experiencing physical or chemical changes.

2. How is the thermal ceiling determined?

The thermal ceiling is determined through various factors such as the material's melting point, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity. It can also be determined experimentally by subjecting the material to increasing temperatures and observing its behavior.

3. Is there a universal thermal ceiling for all materials?

No, the thermal ceiling varies for different materials depending on their properties and composition. For example, metals tend to have higher thermal ceilings compared to polymers due to their stronger intermolecular bonds.

4. Can the thermal ceiling be exceeded?

Yes, the thermal ceiling can be exceeded under certain conditions. For example, if a material is exposed to a sudden increase in temperature or a prolonged exposure to high temperatures, it may surpass its thermal ceiling and undergo irreversible changes.

5. How does the thermal ceiling affect everyday life?

The thermal ceiling plays a crucial role in various aspects of everyday life, such as determining the safe operating temperatures for electronic devices, setting the temperature limits for cooking appliances, and understanding the effects of temperature on materials used in construction and transportation.

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