Question:
In terms of Charles’ law explain why –273°C is the lowest possible temperature.
Solution:
Charles’ law states that at constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature.
It was found that for all gases (at any given pressure), the plots of volume vs. temperature (in °C) is a straight line. If this line is extended to zero volume, then it intersects the temperature-axis at – 273°C. In other words, the volume of any gas at –273°C is zero. This is because all gases get liquefied before reaching a temperature of – 273°C. Hence, it can be concluded that – 273°C is the lowest possible temperature.