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What is absolute zero?

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Quick answer

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. It's the coldest possible temperature.

Key things to understand

  1. It's the coldest possible temperature.
  2. Particle motion is at its absolute minimum.
  3. It equals 0 Kelvin, or −273.15°C.
  4. It can be approached but never fully reached.

People also ask

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.