Absolute Zero

Definition

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, representing the complete absence of thermal energy. It is the point at which the motion of atoms and molecules reaches its minimum, and no further heat can be extracted from a system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolute zero is equivalent to -273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The concept of absolute zero is fundamental to the Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics, which describe the behavior of systems at the lowest possible temperatures.
3. As a system approaches absolute zero, the motion of its atoms and molecules slows down, and the system's entropy (disorder) decreases.
4. Reaching absolute zero is impossible to achieve in practice due to the Third Law of Thermodynamics, which states that it is impossible to cool a system to exactly 0 K.
5. The study of matter and energy at temperatures near absolute zero has led to important scientific discoveries and technological advancements, such as superconductivity and the development of cryogenic refrigeration.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of absolute zero relates to the behavior of gases and the Gas Pressure topic.
  • Absolute zero is the point at which the motion of atoms and molecules in a gas system is minimized, and no further heat can be extracted. As a gas system approaches absolute zero, the pressure of the gas decreases due to the reduced kinetic energy and collisions between the gas particles. This relationship between temperature, molecular motion, and gas pressure is a key concept in the Gas Pressure topic, as it allows for the prediction and understanding of how gases behave under various temperature conditions.
• Describe the role of absolute zero in the Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics.
  • The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium. As a system approaches absolute zero, its entropy decreases, as the motion and disorder of the system's particles are minimized. The Third Law of Thermodynamics further states that it is impossible to cool a system to exactly 0 K, as this would require an infinite amount of work to remove the last bit of thermal energy. These principles regarding the behavior of systems at the lowest possible temperatures are fundamental to the understanding of the Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics.
• Analyze the significance of absolute zero in the development of scientific theories and technological advancements.
  • The concept of absolute zero has been crucial in the advancement of scientific understanding and the development of various technologies. The study of matter and energy at temperatures near absolute zero has led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the phenomenon of superconductivity, where materials lose all electrical resistance. This has enabled the creation of highly efficient electrical systems and devices. Additionally, the development of cryogenic refrigeration, which uses the principles of absolute zero, has allowed for the storage and transportation of materials at extremely low temperatures, enabling advancements in fields like medicine, space exploration, and energy storage. The pursuit of reaching and understanding absolute zero has been a driving force behind many scientific and technological innovations that have shaped our modern world.

Related terms

Thermodynamics:

The study of the relationship between heat, work, temperature, and energy in systems.

Kelvin Scale: A temperature scale that defines absolute zero as 0 K, with each degree representing an equal increment of thermal energy.

Entropy:

A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system, which increases as a system approaches absolute zero.