what is the significance of absolute zero? course hero

Absolute zero is a scientific concept that describes the coldest possible temperature that can exist. In scientific measurement, temperature is a way of measuring atomic measure. Essentially, the faster atoms move around, the higher the temperature.

Full Answer

What would happen if there was no concept of absolute zero?

Essentially, the faster atoms move around, the higher the temperature. Before absolute zero was recognized as a concept, there were various ways of measuring temperature but ultimately, there was no scientific understanding of temperature. Without the concept of absolute zero, there would be no Kelvin scale.

What experiments have been done to get to absolute zero?

Absolute Zero Experiments. Scientists often expand their knowledge and test their understanding of the world by conducting experiments. Using laser cooling techniques, scientists have been able to come very, very close to reaching absolute zero. American physicists Deborah Jin cooled a cloud of potassium atoms to 0.00000005 K in 2003.

Is it possible to reach absolute zero temperature in space?

Even though those temperatures are cold enough to cause serious harm or death, they are not even close to reaching absolute zero. In the natural environment, outer space is comes close to absolute zero temperature. The Boomerang Nebula in the constellation Centaurus, located about 5000 light years from the Earth,...

What would happen if the Kelvin scale and Absolute Zero disappeared?

The lack of the Kelvin scale and absolute zero would make scientific communication and cooperation more difficult. According to the laws of thermodynamics, it is not possible to reach absolute zero though scientists have come close to reaching it.

What Would Life Be Like Without It?

Absolute zero is a scientific concept that describes the coldest possible temperature that can exist. In scientific measurement, temperature is a way of measuring atomic measure. Essentially, the faster atoms move around, the higher the temperature.

A Scientific Concept

The concept of absolute zero can be expressed differently depending on how one measures temperature. Here is an expression of absolute zero in the three most common temperature measures:

Absolute Zero Experiments

Scientists often expand their knowledge and test their understanding of the world by conducting experiments. Using laser cooling techniques, scientists have been able to come very, very close to reaching absolute zero. American physicists Deborah Jin cooled a cloud of potassium atoms to 0.00000005 K in 2003.

Resources

Boomerang Nebula Boasts the Coolest Spot In The Universe (NASA), https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/releases/97/coldspot.html