Definition

1. Noun:
   • The Third Law of Thermodynamics: A fundamental law of physics stating that the entropy (a measure of disorder or randomness) of a perfect, pure crystalline substance approaches zero as its temperature approaches absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15°C). This law establishes absolute zero as a theoretical limit where molecular motion reaches a minimum and a perfect state of order is achieved.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The third law of thermodynamics provides a reference point for calculating absolute entropy values.
  • According to the third law of thermodynamics, it is impossible to reach absolute zero in a finite number of steps.
  • The unattainability of absolute zero is a common consequence derived from the third law of thermodynamics.

Advanced Usage

• "Nernst's theorem" or "Nernst's postulate": These are historical names for the third law of thermodynamics, named after the physicist Walther Nernst who formulated it.
  • Nernst's theorem was a crucial step in the development of modern thermodynamics.
• "The entropy statement": A descriptive way to refer to the core principle of the law.
  • The entropy statement of the third law defines the behavior of systems at very low temperatures.

Variants and Related Words

• Thermodynamics (n): The branch of physical science that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy.
• Entropy (n): A thermodynamic quantity representing the unavailability of a system's thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness.
• Absolute Zero (n): The theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which the fundamental particles of nature have minimal vibrational motion.

Synonyms

• Nernst's Law: A direct synonym referencing the scientist who formulated it.
• The Law of Absolute Entropy: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the law's consequence for entropy at absolute zero.

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: Defines thermal equilibrium and the concept of temperature.
• First Law of Thermodynamics: States the conservation of energy (energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed).
• Second Law of Thermodynamics: States that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time, defining the direction of spontaneous processes.

Noun

1. law stating that the entropy of a substance approaches zero as its temperature approaches absolute zero