Reaching 0K, Gases (chem)

[SexayMistahBee]

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.

 

[szskateman22]

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...

 

[SexayMistahBee]

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.