Chapter 24, Problem 3A

What is the lowest possible temperature on the Celsius scale? On the Kelvin scale?

To determine

Lowest possible temperature on the Celsius scale and on the Kelvin scale.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Temperature is a measure of how cold or hot a body is. The temperature of a body is also a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules that constitute it. Temperature of a body is measured using thermometer on mainly three thermodynamic scale- Kelvin, Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The lowest possible temperature - absolute zero is physically not possible to achieve. At absolute zero, the molecules have negligible vibrational motion.

On Celsius scale, the lowest possible temperature is $–{273.15}^{\text{o}}\text{C}$ and on Kelvin scale, it is $0$ K.

Conclusion:

On Celsius scale, the lowest possible temperature is $–{273.15}^{\text{o}}\text{C}$ and on Kelvin scale, it is $0$ K.