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Chapter 5: Problem 3

What is the significance of absolute zero?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The significance of absolute zero lies in its role in defining the temperature scale and governing thermodynamic processes. It provides a lower limit to the temperature range we can explore scientifically, plays a vital role in thermodynamics, influences molecular motion and behavior, defines the physical limit of several thermodynamic processes, and has interesting consequences if it were to be reached. Absolute zero is essential in understanding various phenomena at extremely low temperatures and is fundamental in scientific research involving low temperatures, such as superconductivity, Bose-Einstein condensates, and quantum computing.

Step by step solution

01

Absolute Zero Definition

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature at which an ideal gas would have zero thermal energy, and all molecular motion would stop. In the Kelvin scale, absolute zero is defined as 0 K or -273.15°C or -459.67°F.
02

Role in Thermodynamics

Absolute zero plays a vital role in thermodynamics. The first and second laws of thermodynamics reference the Kelvin scale, which has its zero point at absolute zero. This temperature is an essential part of defining the concept of entropy, which determines the state of disorder in a system.
03

Molecular Motion and Behavior

At absolute zero, molecular motion stops entirely, and particles reach their lowest energy state. In classical ideal gas theory, as temperature approaches absolute zero, the volume occupied by an ideal gas is expected to approach zero as well. In reality, quantum mechanics dictates that molecules still have some minimum energy called the zero-point energy.
04

Principle of Thermodynamic Processes

Absolute zero defines a physical limit for several thermodynamic processes. It is impossible to reach absolute zero, as any cooling process's efficiency reduces as the temperature approaches absolute zero. The third law of thermodynamics states that a system's entropy approaches a constant value as the temperature approaches absolute zero, which plays a critical role in the behavior of substances at very low temperatures.
05

Consequences of Reaching Absolute Zero

Even though it is impossible in practice, reaching absolute zero would lead to interesting consequences. At absolute zero, all substances become solid, except helium, which remains a liquid due to quantum effects. Furthermore, at temperatures close to absolute zero, superconducting states can occur, allowing electrical current to flow with no resistance.
06

Significance in Scientific Research

Absolute zero is essential in scientific research involving low temperatures, such as superconductivity, Bose-Einstein condensates, and quantum computing. It is also fundamental in understanding the early universe, since temperatures approaching absolute zero were present soon after the Big Bang. In summary, the significance of absolute zero lies in its role in defining the temperature scale and governing thermodynamic processes. It provides a lower limit to the temperature range we can explore scientifically and plays a crucial part in understanding various phenomena at extremely low temperatures.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose you hang a bag of ice inside a room in which the air is at normal room temperature. If you position the palm of your hand a few inches to the side of the ice, what would you feel? Why? Would you feel anything different if you placed your palm the same distance away but below the ice?

What is entropy? In general, how does the entropy of a system change with time?

Wood's metal is an alloy of the elements bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium that has a melting point of \(70^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Describe how it might be used in an automatic sprinkler system for fire suppression.

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