Reaching 0K, Gases (chem)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is impossible for a gas's temperature to reach 0K, as its volume would be 0. No gas can have a volume of 0, as it would mean that it has disappeared.

Does that mean that it is possible to reach 0K in a gas-less vacuum?

Also, what is with gases and their tendency to decrease in volume as the temperature drops, but not to go anywhere near 0k? I'm confused.

 

I'm not sure why you're asking if a vacuum can reach 0K, as a true vacuum would be "nothing"... You can't take the temperature of "nothing" - if there was a material in there then it can (theoretically) get to 0K, as that is it's minimal energy level - at least from what I understand.

Using laser cooling they can get to within a billionth of 0 kelvin - not sure what material. http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/bec/lascool1.html

The closest anyone has come to getting to 0K was Cornell & Wieman in 1995 with Rhubidium gas (1.7x10^-7K).

I should probably ask exactly what Chemistry you're in as this is a little above my level (Chem II in college). You would also need to understand Quantum Physics apparently...

 

Haha thanks, I never knew that.
Guess that I shouldn't try to mix chemistry with physics; a field that I have knowledge on whatsoever.

Also, thanks for the additional info. You're the best
I"m asking because it is possible that a related question could be asked in my college admission tests.