Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2016 2016Moderate

At absolute zero the molecules of hydrogen gas will have:

Correct answer: D. All motion is ceased

  • A. Only translational motion
  • B. Only vibrational motion
  • C. Only rotational motion
  • D. All motion is ceased

Explanation

At absolute zero, which is 0 Kelvin or -273.15°C, all molecular motion ceases. This is because absolute zero represents the lowest possible temperature, where thermal energy is nonexistent, thus halting all forms of motion, including translational, vibrational, and rotational. This is why option D is correct. The other options are incorrect because they suggest that some form of motion still occurs, which is not the case at absolute zero.

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About Absolute Zero

Absolute zero is 0 K, equal to −273.15°C, the lowest theoretical temperature on the Kelvin scale. The topic covers the relationship between temperature and molecular motion, the extrapolation of gas volume or pressure to zero, and why absolute zero cannot be reached experimentally, although particles retain quantum zero-point energy.

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