Absolute Zero

Learning Intentions

  • To understand how to convert between degrees Kelvin and degrees Celsius
  • To understand what it means for an object to reach absolute zero

Media

Absolute zero is the coldest temperature that is theoretically possible, but it has never been achieved. Absolute zero occurs at -273.15 degrees Celsius.

The Kelvin scale was devised as a scale in which the lowest possible temperature is 0 K. To calculate the temperature in Kelvin, simply add 273.15 to the temperature in Celsius.

Absolute Zero: Absolute Awesome (3:15)

Questions

  1. Convert to degrees Kelvin:
    1. -273.15 °C (absolute zero)
    2. 0 °C (freezing point of water, at sea level)
    3. 100 °C (boiling point of water, at sea level)
    4. 5505 °C (temperature at the surface of the Sun)
  2. Convert to Celsius
    1. 5 K
    2. 50 K
    3. 500 K
    4. 5000 K
  3. If you see a temperature of -400 degrees, what scale is being used?
  4. What do you think would happen if you touched an object that is absolute zero?

 

What If You Touched Absolute Zero? (5:25)

Extension

Absolute Temperature (0 Kelvin) Lab Demonstration (8:38)