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| − | '''Absolute zero''' is the practical minimum of [[temperature]], defined as 0 [[kelvin]]s on the [[absolute temperature scale]]s (the zero on the Kelvin scale has had to adjust, slightly, as measurements of absolute zero are refined). This corresponds to -273.15 degrees [[Celsius]] and -459.67 degrees [[Fahrenheit]]. At absolute zero, all thermal motion (i.e. the movement of [[molecules]] in a [[gas]], [[atom]]s in a [[crystal]]) would cease. | + | '''Absolute zero''' is the minimum [[temperature]], defined as 0 [[kelvin]] on the [[absolute temperature scale]]s (the zero on the Kelvin scale has had to adjust, slightly, as measurements of absolute zero are refined). This corresponds to -273.15 degrees [[Celsius]] and -459.67 degrees [[Fahrenheit]]. At absolute zero, all motion (i.e. the movement of [[molecules]] in a [[gas]], [[atom]]s in a [[crystal]]) would cease. |
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| − | No place in our universe can reach absolute zero, but there are places that get close. [[Space]] is approximately 2.73 kelvins. This is not because heat from [[star]]s in the universe keep the temperature up, but because of [[Black-Body Radiation]], which occupies the [[vacuum]] of space. This [[radiation]] keeps the universe at this temperature. The [[Cosmic Background Explorer]], (CBE), measured this value. The [[Big Bang]] theory predicted a leftover background radiation and that such radiation would have a relative uniformity, which is reinforced by the evidence presented by the CBE's observations. | + | No place in our universe are at absolute zero, but there are places that get close. [[Space]] is approximately 2.73 kelvin. This is not because heat from [[star]]s in the universe keep the temperature up, but because of cosmic background radiation. The [[Cosmic Background Explorer]] (CBE) measured this value. The [[Big Bang theory]] predicts a leftover background radiation and that such radiation would have a relative uniformity, which is reinforced by the evidence presented by the CBE's observations. However, these observations cannot account for the [[horizon problem]]. |
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| | == Reaching Towards Absolute Zero == | | == Reaching Towards Absolute Zero == |
| − | It is considered theoretically impossible to achieve absolute Zero, but scientists have come quite close. The first example of this occurred in 1908 when [[Kammerlingh Onnes]] liquefied [[Helium]]. The temperature he reached was approximately four kelvins. Lower temperatures have been reached with different [[isotope]]s of Helium. A temperature of 0.3 kelvins has been reached with <sup>3</sup>He. The lowest temperature ever reached by any substance was 280 picokelvins. | + | It is considered theoretically impossible to achieve absolute zero, but scientists have come quite close. The first example of this occurred in 1908 when [[Kammerlingh Onnes]] liquefied [[Helium]]. The temperature he reached was approximately four kelvin. Lower temperatures have been reached with different [[isotope]]s of Helium. A temperature of 0.3 kelvin has been reached with <sup>3</sup>He. The lowest temperature ever reached by any substance was 280 picokelvins. |
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| | == Sources == | | == Sources == |