Question

In terms of Charles’ law explain why –273°C is the lowest possible temperature.

Answer 1

Charles’law states that at constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass ofgas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature.

Itwas found that for all gases (at any given pressure), the plots ofvolume vs. temperature (in °C)is a straight line. If this line is extended to zero volume, then itintersects the temperature-axis at – 273°C.In other words, the volume of any gas at –273°Cis zero. This is because all gases get liquefied before reaching atemperature of – 273°C.Hence, it can be concluded that – 273°Cis the lowest possible temperature.