BPHS0016

ELEMENTARY STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND THERMAL PHYSICS

Class No: 14
Topic: Third Law of thermodynamics
S.No Contents

1 Principle of unattainability of absolute zero

2 Zero Point Energy
3 Negative Temperature on Kelvin scale: Not Possible
Principle of unattainability of
absolute zero
“It is impossible to bring any system to absolute zero temperature
performing a finite number of operations.”
 Zero Point Energy

According to kinetic theory, energy of system at absolute zero

should be zero. It means molecules of the system do not possess any
motion.

But According to Modern concept, even at absolute zero, the

molecules are not completely deprived of their motion and hence
possess energy.

Energy of the molecules at absolute zero temperature is called Zero

Point Energy.
Negative temperature on Kelvin
scale: Not Possible

If efficiency of engine is greater than the unity which is against the

second law of thermodynamics and hence impossible.

Thus there can not be negative temperature on kelvin scale.

 Quiz
Q. No Question
1 Energy of system at absolute zero temperature is called as
…………..
2 If negative absolute temperature exits, then engine will have
efficiency less than 1. (T/F)
3 Absolute zero is attainable. (T/F)
4 At equilibrium, change in entropy is ……….