Why Absolute Zero is Independent of Substance Properties

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that absolute zero, defined as -273K, is a theoretical temperature where molecular kinetic energy is minimal and does not depend on the properties of any specific substance. Unlike temperature scales such as Celsius, which are based on the properties of water, the Kelvin scale is universal and independent of material characteristics. Participants emphasize that while absolute zero is not practically achievable, it serves as a fundamental reference point in thermodynamics. The conversation highlights the distinction between absolute temperature scales and those reliant on specific substances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles
  • Familiarity with temperature scales (Celsius, Kelvin)
  • Knowledge of molecular kinetic energy concepts
  • Basic grasp of measurement systems in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of thermodynamics and the significance of absolute zero
  • Explore the differences between Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales
  • Study the behavior of gases and kinetic theory at low temperatures
  • Investigate various types of thermometers and their measurement principles
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the fundamental concepts of temperature and its measurement.

alex36
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Why absolute zero of temperature doesn't depend upon properties of substance?
 
Science news on Phys.org
I don't understand what you mean, can you clarify your question?

If you heat a piece of metal to 100 degrees how is that temperature any different than heating a piece of glass to 100 degrees, or a piece of wood ?

And by the way, "absolute zero" is not believed to be achievable in reality.
 
phinds said:
I don't understand what you mean, can you clarify your question?

If you heat a piece of metal to 100 degrees how is that temperature any different than heating a piece of glass to 100 degrees, or a piece of wood ?

And by the way, "absolute zero" is not believed to be achievable in reality.
In my syllabus its written "understand that there is an absolute scale of temperature that does not depend on the property of any particular substance"
 
alex36 said:
Why absolute zero of temperature doesn't depend upon properties of substance?

do you wish to say that temperature of a body is not absolute and is defined with respect to material/substances?
do you say 50 degree of water or hydrogen... or you have scale of measurements including thermodynamic scale.
 
drvrm said:
do you wish to say that temperature of a body is not absolute and is defined with respect to material/substances?
do you say 50 degree of water or hydrogen... or you have scale of measurements including thermodynamic scale.
-273K is called absolute 0 temperature where there is no any kinetic energy in molecule . Practically it doesn't exist but theoretically it does . So, my question is why absolute zero temperature doesnot depend upon property of particular substance.
 
alex36 said:
In my syllabus its written "understand that there is an absolute scale of temperature that does not depend on the property of any particular substance"
Exactly. Just as there is a scale of length that does not depend on what you are measuring.
 
alex36 said:
-273K is called absolute 0 temperature where there is no any kinetic energy in molecule . Practically it doesn't exist but theoretically it does . So, my question is why absolute zero temperature doesnot depend upon property of particular substance.
See post #2
 
phinds said:
Exactly. Just as there is a scale of length that does not depend on what you are measuring.
That was too easy ! thanks man
 
Maybe it's easiest to understand in contrast to the Celsius scale. 0 degrees C was once defined as the freezing point of water at one atmosphere. You don't need water to have something at 0 degrees C, but people originally agreed to build the scale around properties of water. The 0 point of Kelvin does not depend on any special substance. It is a universal property.
 
  • #10
alex36 said:
In my syllabus its written "understand that there is an absolute scale of temperature that does not depend on the property of any particular substance"

I think what the syllabus statement means is that the various practical types of thermometer will give different temperature scales that, when extrapolated downwards, will not coincide at the bottom end. The Kelvin Scale of temperatures is based on a more basic (thermodynamic) idea that ignores the deviations that you get with 'real' thermometers e.g Platinum Resistance, Gas, Mercury in Glass, Alcohol which are based on different physical properties of substances.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K