At 0K - Particles Inside the Nucleus: Do They Move?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of absolute zero and its effects on the movement of particles. It is clarified that at 0K, atoms do not move in a classical sense but still have a non-zero expectation value for their kinetic energy. However, due to quantum mechanics, the position and momentum of particles cannot be known with infinite accuracy, making it impossible to reach absolute zero. The conversation also addresses the misconception that stopping an atom's motion would make it stable, and explains that temperature is not solely determined by kinetic energy.
  • #1
jk22
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I learned that at 0K atoms should stop moving. But do particles inside the nucleus still move ?
 
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  • #2
jk22 said:
I learned that at 0K atoms should stop moving.
Where did you learn that?

Atoms do not move in a classical sense at 0 K: they do not change their place. They still have a non-zero expectation value for their kinetic energy. The same applies to all subatomic particles.
 
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  • #3
Two things. 1. Atoms still move due to zero point energy. 2. 0K is an idealization that can't quite be reached.
 
  • #4
So there is no way to make unstable atoms stable by cooling down ?
 
  • #5
Unstable atoms?
Unstable nuclei? No, their stability does not depend on the temperature of the environment.
Unstable electronic configurations? If you have those, the system cannot be at 0 K.
 
  • #6
I think the confusion lies in what 'temperature' is. Temperature is the average *kinetic* (motion) energy of a system. As the system cools, the total kinetic energy in the system drops to zero. But this is talking solely about objects as complete entities (ie: atoms as atoms, electrons as electrons when they're freely moving on their own, etc). So even if you could cool an atom to absolute zero - that would merely imply that the atom is completely stationary (in its local frame - I really don't want to get into relativity here :) ). The movement of its electrons, protons and neutrons do contribute to the kinetic energy of the atom as a whole.

However, even THAT is a problem. Because of quantum mechanics, you cannot know both the position and momentum of a particle with infinite accuracy. If your view of absolute zero were correct - you'd know both exactly (you'd have its position since it's not moving - and you'd know its moment perfectly - it's zero) - which would violate Heisenburg's Uncertainty. In fact, if you could stop a particle (reduce its momentum to zero), it's position would infinitely indeterminate - it would spread out until it's a little bit everywhere. Conversely, if you can hold it in one place, it would gain an effectively infinite momentum which would allow it to escape by tunnelling.

But neither of these things are caused by changes in kinetic energy so they can't be considered 'temperature' in any normal sense.
 
  • #7
The Werewolf said:
Temperature is the average *kinetic* (motion) energy of a system.
It is not.
The Werewolf said:
that would merely imply that the atom is completely stationary (in its local frame - I really don't want to get into relativity here :) )
Everything is stationary in "its local frame" by definition.
 

1. What is 0K and why is it significant in studying particles inside the nucleus?

0K, also known as absolute zero, is the lowest possible temperature in the Kelvin scale. It is significant in studying particles inside the nucleus because at this temperature, all molecular motion stops, allowing scientists to observe the behavior and properties of particles without any interference from temperature-related effects.

2. Do particles inside the nucleus move at 0K?

No, at 0K, all molecular motion stops, including the movement of particles inside the nucleus. This allows scientists to study the particles in a state of rest, which can provide valuable insights into their structure and behavior.

3. How do scientists study particles inside the nucleus at 0K?

Scientists use various techniques such as cryogenic cooling, which involves using extremely low temperatures, to bring the particles to 0K. They also use specialized equipment like particle accelerators and detectors to observe and analyze the behavior of the particles.

4. Can scientists observe individual particles inside the nucleus at 0K?

Yes, with advanced technology and techniques, scientists can observe and study individual particles inside the nucleus at 0K. This allows them to gather important data and insights into the fundamental building blocks of matter.

5. What have scientists discovered about particles inside the nucleus at 0K?

At 0K, scientists have been able to observe the structure and behavior of particles inside the nucleus, providing evidence for the existence of subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons. They have also gained a deeper understanding of the strong nuclear force that holds the nucleus together.

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