Exploring the Unknown: What Happens at Absolute Zero

In summary, absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature where the motion of atoms stops completely. It is not possible to go below absolute zero, but you can get very close. On the other hand, there is no upper limit to temperature and the hottest temperature known is constantly changing. Some possible causes for extremely high temperatures include supernova detonations, electron-positron annihilation, matter falling onto a neutron star, and the collision of two black holes. Additionally, there is such a thing as negative temperatures, which can be explained by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Even at absolute zero, atoms still have some residual motion due to zero point energy.
  • #1
bozo the clown
93
0
Can we go beyond absolute zero what happens at absolute zero do atoms behave any different insights please

Also what is the hottest temparature known
?
 
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  • #2
bozo the clown said:
Can we go beyond absolute zero what happens at absolute zero do atoms behave any different insights please

Also what is the hottest temparature known?

You can't go below absolute zero. You can't even reach absolute zero, but you can get close.

Absolute zero is defined as the complete cessation of motion in a gas. You can't get any stiller than not moving.

I don't think there is an upper limit to temperature. What might cause the highest temperature observed, or conjectured? A supernova detonation? Probably not? Electron-positron anniahilation? Matter falling onto the surface of a neutron star? The colission of two black holes?
 
  • #4
The motion of the atoms doesn't stop completely at absolute zero. If you knew the velocity of an atom was exactly zero, what would you be able to say about its position? (Heisenberg uncertainty principle)

What actually happens is that once a particle has lost all the thermal energy it can, it is left with 'zero point energy'. All motion does not cease.
 

1. What is absolute zero?

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature that can be reached, at which point all molecular motion stops. It is equivalent to 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius.

2. What happens to matter at absolute zero?

At absolute zero, matter loses all kinetic energy and stops moving. This causes various properties of matter, such as volume and pressure, to approach zero as well.

3. Can absolute zero be reached?

Although scientists have been able to reach extremely low temperatures, absolute zero cannot be reached in practice. This is due to the Third Law of Thermodynamics, which states that it is not possible to reach absolute zero through a finite number of steps.

4. How is absolute zero related to the laws of thermodynamics?

The Third Law of Thermodynamics states that as temperature approaches absolute zero, the entropy (or disorder) of a system also approaches zero. Additionally, the Second Law of Thermodynamics dictates that no process can reach absolute zero in a finite number of steps.

5. What are some practical applications of understanding absolute zero?

Understanding absolute zero and the properties of matter at extremely low temperatures has many practical applications in fields such as cryogenics, superconductivity, and quantum mechanics. It also helps scientists better understand the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and molecular level.

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