Science
What is Absolute zero?
Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, where particles have the minimum possible motion and energy. It's 0 on the Kelvin scale (−273.15°C). It can be approached but never fully reached, and strange quantum effects appear near it.
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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains absolute zero.
Key things to understand
- 1It's the coldest possible temperature.
- 2Particle motion is at its absolute minimum.
- 3It equals 0 Kelvin, or −273.15°C.
- 4It can be approached but never fully reached.
Frequently asked questions
- What is absolute zero?
- The lowest possible temperature, where particles have minimal motion — 0 Kelvin (−273.15°C).
- Why can't we reach absolute zero?
- The laws of thermodynamics make it impossible to remove all energy from a system entirely.
- What happens near absolute zero?
- Matter can enter exotic states and show strange quantum behaviors, like superconductivity.