When an object becomes very cold do the electrons stop revolving ?

In summary, when an object becomes very cold, the electrons do not stop revolving, but their movement slows down. This is because temperature affects the speed of electron movement. However, extremely cold temperatures cannot cause electrons to completely stop moving, as they are always in motion according to quantum mechanics. The movement of electrons also contributes to the thermal and electrical conductivity of a cold object, with colder temperatures decreasing thermal conductivity and potentially increasing electrical conductivity. While there is no theoretical limit to how cold an object can get before the electrons stop moving, the laws of thermodynamics prevent reaching absolute zero temperature where all molecular and atomic motion ceases.
  • #1
Abidal Sala
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I thought that electrons revolve around the proton faster when the material is hot, and slower if it's cold, if that's not true then from where do the electrons gain the energy to constantly revolve?
 
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  • #2
Electrons don't revolve around the nucleus. They exist in quantum levels. When the material is cold they tend to be at the lowest possible levels.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration

http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/quantumzone/bohr2.html [Broken]

The first reference is a complete description. The second is an excerpt which might help you understand the physics a little better.
 
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1. What happens to electrons when an object becomes very cold?

When an object becomes very cold, the electrons do not stop revolving. In fact, they continue to move, but at a slower pace due to the decrease in temperature.

2. Does the temperature affect the speed of electron movement in an object?

Yes, the temperature does affect the speed of electron movement in an object. As the temperature decreases, the speed of electron movement also decreases.

3. Can extremely cold temperatures cause electrons to completely stop moving?

No, extremely cold temperatures cannot cause electrons to completely stop moving. According to quantum mechanics, electrons are always in motion, even at absolute zero temperature.

4. How does the movement of electrons contribute to the properties of a cold object?

The movement of electrons in an object is directly related to its thermal and electrical conductivity. As the electrons slow down in colder temperatures, the object's thermal conductivity decreases, making it a poor conductor of heat. On the other hand, its electrical conductivity may increase due to the decrease in electron collisions.

5. Is there a limit to how cold an object can get before the electrons stop moving?

Theoretically, there is no limit to how cold an object can get before the electrons stop moving. However, the laws of thermodynamics state that it is impossible to reach absolute zero temperature, which is the point at which all molecular and atomic motion ceases.

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