Absolute zero pressure versus temperature: At what temperature can absolute zero pressure (perfect vacuum) be attained?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: none of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Absolute pressure is referenced to a perfect vacuum, while temperature scales like Celsius and Kelvin describe thermal energy states. It is tempting to connect “zero pressure” with a particular temperature, but they are different physical concepts and should not be conflated.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Absolute zero pressure means no gas molecules present.
  • Absolute zero temperature is 0 K; Celsius values require conversion.
  • Real systems cannot reach perfect vacuum or absolute zero temperature in practice.


Concept / Approach:
Pressure is due to molecular impacts; temperature measures average kinetic energy of molecules. While lowering temperature typically reduces pressure at fixed volume and mass, zero pressure requires removing all molecules (vacuum), not merely cooling to some particular temperature listed among the options. Therefore, none of the given temperatures guarantees zero absolute pressure.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Recognize that 0°C and 273 K are ordinary finite temperatures.At any finite temperature with gas present, pressure is greater than zero.Zero pressure needs absence of gas (vacuum), not a specific T from the list.


Verification / Alternative check:
From pV = mRT, with m > 0 and V finite, p is proportional to T; only if m = 0 (no molecules) can p be zero at any temperature, confirming the independence of a specific temperature value.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 0°C, 273°C, 273 K: None corresponds to perfect vacuum; these are arbitrary temperatures.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing absolute zero temperature (0 K) with zero absolute pressure; they are distinct limits and neither is practically attainable in the strict sense.


Final Answer:
none of these

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