Absolute zero
by gowtham[ Edit ] 2010-02-19 13:06:53
Absolute zero is the temperature at which entropy reaches its minimum value. As implied by the laws of thermodynamics, absolute zero cannot be reached by artificial or natural means because this would require a system to be fully removed from the rest of the universe. A system at theoretical absolute zero possesses quantum mechanical zero-point energy. While all molecular motion does not cease at absolute zero, the system does not have enough energy for transference to other systems. It is therefore correct to say that molecular energy is minimal at absolute zero.
By international agreement, absolute zero is defined as precisely 0 K on the Kelvin scale and as −273.15° on the Celsius scale.[1] Absolute zero is also precisely equivalent to 0 R on the Rankine scale (same as Kelvin but measured in Fahrenheit intervals) and −459.67° on the Fahrenheit scale. Though it is not theoretically possible to cool any substance to 0 K,[2] scientists have made great advancements in achieving temperatures close to absolute zero, where matter exhibits quantum effects such as superconductivity and superfluidity