What happens to molecular motion at absolute zero?

What happens to molecular motion at absolute zero?

• A. Molecules become highly energized
• B. Molecular motion completely stops
• C. Molecules move faster
• D. Molecular bonds break

Answer: (B)

At absolute zero, which is defined as 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius, molecular motion theoretically comes to a complete stop. This is because absolute zero represents the lowest limit of the thermodynamic temperature scale, where the kinetic energy of particles is minimized to the point that they occupy their lowest energy state. Under these conditions, the atoms and molecules are in their ground state, and there is no energy available to facilitate any movement. This concept is significant in understanding the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures and is essential in fields such as cryogenics. The notion that molecular motion completely stops at absolute zero is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which suggest that while particles may still have zero-point energy, their thermal movement ceases. Hence, this understanding clarifies why molecules do not have the energy to vibrate or move at absolute zero.

At absolute zero, which is defined as 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius, molecular motion theoretically comes to a complete stop. This is because absolute zero represents the lowest limit of the thermodynamic temperature scale, where the kinetic energy of particles is minimized to the point that they occupy their lowest energy state.

Under these conditions, the atoms and molecules are in their ground state, and there is no energy available to facilitate any movement. This concept is significant in understanding the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures and is essential in fields such as cryogenics.

The notion that molecular motion completely stops at absolute zero is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which suggest that while particles may still have zero-point energy, their thermal movement ceases. Hence, this understanding clarifies why molecules do not have the energy to vibrate or move at absolute zero.