Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Science
  4. / Physical Sciences
  5. / Physics
  6. / Thermodynamics

by saviorknights on February 23rd, 2005

saviorknights

Question

Help answer this question below.

Why is a temperature of absolute zero unachievable?

Share:
Other

Answers. 2 helpful answers below.

  • by Quirkie on February 25th, 2005

    Quirkie

    Temperature corresponds to kinetic energy per molecule.
    Apart from the practical considerations, there is a quantum mechanical limit to how low temperature can go.
    In quantum mechanics, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle gives a physical limit to how accurately a pair of physical quantities can be measured. Position and momentum are two such quantities.
    The uncertainty in position multiplied by the uncertainty in the momentum must be greater than Plank's constant (h bar).
    Take one of the atoms in the container you are cooling. As zero momentum for the atom is approached, the uncertainty principle means that the uncertainly in the position becomes such that we aren't sure the particle is in the container, which is a contradiction since we chose a particle in the container.
    This implies that there is a limit to how cold the container can get. There is "quantum fluctuation" which prevents particles becoming absolutely still.
    Even if the container is empty, there is residual energy due to the quantum fluctuation of the vacuum. This is called the Zero Point Energy.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by envcons on February 4th, 2006

    envcons

    The simple answer is that heat always flows from a hot object to a cold object. When you try to remove heat from a system you must transfer it to a colder object. Since absolute zero is the temperature at which molicules stop moving it is the absolute bottom limit. The problem is that as an object approaches absolute zero you must still transfer its energy to an even colder object, which is impossible.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading Why is a temperature of absolute zero unachievable?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

Why is a temperature of absolute zero unachievable
Temperature of absolute zero unachievable
Why is absolute zero temperature unachievable
Why is a temperature of absolute zero unachievable
At what temp does particals stop moving

Answerbag

a Demand Media company