what is 0 degrees kelvin here all atoms stand still, but they say that everything falls apart is that so? and why everything falls apart, did they ever reach this temperature. what happens to the entire atom (electrons, protons and neutrons) at this temperature?
Answer
Hi Wim,
Zero Kelvin (0 K) is the lowest possible temperature, absolute zero. At this temperature (almost) all movement of atoms and molecules stops. There is in fact still a small movement possible, the zero point vibration. This movement has a cause in quantum mechanics, but it hardly plays a role. We see this, for example, with helium, which is still liquid even at 0 K.
At this temperature, of course, all chemical reactions stop. Because in order to react, two reactants have to collide, and that presupposes that they can move. If no reactions are possible, then it is of course impossible for a molecule or an atom to fall apart. Everything “freezes” as it were. All that remains of movement is the minute zero-point vibration and of course the movement of the electrons around the nucleus.
When we warm up again, everything starts moving again.
Answered by
Dr Etienne Jooken
Chemistry
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
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