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How terrifying is absolute zero, which can even freeze light?

  • Writer: CosDream News
    CosDream News
  • May 14, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 5, 2024

In this world, we often encounter some bitterly cold weather, with biting winds and people wrapping themselves in thick coats, the air filled with a chilling sensation.

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At such times, we can feel the cold brought on by the dropping temperatures.


In science fiction movies, there are often high-tech scenes, such as spaceships flying in space, and various unknown creatures in the universe, which fill us with longing for the cosmos.


So, what is the existence of absolute zero like in space?

I. What is Absolute Zero?


In our daily lives, whether it's cooking or scientific research, temperature is an indispensable concept.


We know that the temperature of warm water is lower than that of boiling water, and the temperature in winter is lower than that in summer; these are all common phenomena in our lives.

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Scientists believe that everything in the world is composed of tiny molecules and atoms, and the movement of these tiny entities is affected by temperature.


When we turn off the stove or switch off the induction cooker, the cooling water gradually freezes.


In extreme cases, these molecules will also completely stop moving, and the temperature at this time is zero.

Scientists have proposed the concept of "absolute zero", believing that when the movement of molecules and atoms comes to a complete stop, the temperature reaches absolute zero.


According to international standards, the temperature of absolute zero is minus 273.15 degrees Celsius, a temperature that is beyond the extremely low temperatures we usually encounter.

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II. The Dangers of Absolute Zero


We all know that extreme heat is a threat to life, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, fainting, or even death.


So what kind of impact will the extreme low temperature of absolute zero have on life?


When the temperature is too cold, water freezes, and humans can also suffer frostbite.


When the temperature reaches absolute zero, water bodies and organisms on Earth will be completely frozen, losing all signs of life.

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In addition, chemical reactions will also come to a complete halt, causing all metals, instruments, and other items on Earth to become ineffective.


In extremely low-temperature environments, the metabolism of the human body will become very slow, blood will gradually clot, leading to ischemia and hypoxia in organs, affecting the nervous system, and eventually causing humans to lose consciousness, faint, or even die.


In the space environment, the existence of absolute zero also poses a threat to spacecraft, instruments, and other items, causing changes in their physical and chemical properties.


III. Absolute Zero in Space


In outer space, although there are also hot stars, due to the influence of cosmic background radiation, the temperature in space generally remains around minus 270 degrees Celsius.

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Cosmic background radiation originates from the Big Bang, and although its energy is low, it can affect the matter in the universe, keeping the temperature at a relatively low level.


Scientists have found that there are substances millions of light-years away from Earth with temperatures just a few degrees above absolute zero.


Once absolute zero is reached, photons will be trapped within atoms, preventing the transmission of light and heat.


Therefore, in the space of absolute zero, there is no life, nor will there be the birth of stars and planets.

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The existence of absolute zero poses a threat to living organisms, but it also makes the universe colorful.


Extreme high and low temperatures intertwine and balance each other, providing conditions for the emergence of various life forms and substances in the universe, and providing scientists with a vast research field.


Therefore, although absolute zero brings threats, it also stimulates human curiosity and desire for exploration of the universe, promoting technological progress and the development of civilization.

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