more from 'Theories of Everything' by Frank Close

Single Idea 20625

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 2. Thermodynamics / d. Entropy]

Full Idea

The third law of thermodynamics says that a hypothetical state of total order and minimum entropy can be attained only at the absolute zero temperature, minus 273 degrees Celsius.

Gist of Idea

Third Law: total order and minimum entropy only occurs at absolute zero

Source

Frank Close (Theories of Everything [2017], 3 'Arrow')

Book Reference

Close,Frank: 'Theories of Everything' [Profile Books 2017], p.30


A Reaction

If temperature is energetic movement of atoms (or whatever), then obviously zero movement is the coldest it can get. So is absolute zero an energy state, or an absence of energy? I have no idea what 'total order' means.