Why Absolute Zero is Independent of Substance Properties

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of absolute zero and its independence from the properties of different substances. Participants explore the theoretical implications of absolute zero, its definition, and how it relates to various temperature scales, including the Kelvin scale and its practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the meaning of absolute zero and its independence from substance properties, seeking clarification on the concept.
  • Others argue that while absolute zero is theoretically defined as -273K, it is not practically achievable, raising questions about its relevance.
  • One participant notes that temperature can be defined with respect to different materials, suggesting that the measurement of temperature is not absolute.
  • Another participant draws a comparison between the Kelvin scale and the Celsius scale, emphasizing that the 0 point of Kelvin is a universal property that does not rely on specific substances.
  • Some participants reference their syllabus, which states that there is an absolute scale of temperature that does not depend on the properties of any particular substance, leading to discussions about the implications of this statement.
  • Concerns are raised about the discrepancies in practical thermometer readings and how they relate to the theoretical concept of absolute zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of absolute zero and its independence from substance properties. While some agree on the theoretical definition, others question its practical applicability and the nature of temperature measurement.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the relationship between temperature scales and the properties of substances, as well as the practical limitations of measuring temperature near absolute zero.

alex36
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Why absolute zero of temperature doesn't depend upon properties of substance?
 
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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.
 

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