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Absolute zero is the theoretical lower limit of temperature
At minus 273 degrees Celsius all classical thermal motion of atoms stops completely
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of atoms and molecules in a substance. At absolute zero, equivalent to zero Kelvin, particles reach their minimum possible thermal energy state. Quantum mechanics dictates that zero-point energy remains, preventing complete motionlessness.
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Tags: physics, thermodynamics, temperature
Absolute zero is the theoretical lower limit of temperature: the short answers
- Where does this come from, and can I check it?
- At minus 273 degrees Celsius all classical thermal motion of atoms stops completely. The figure is taken from NIST, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
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