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Kinetic theory statement: kinetic energy at absolute zero Evaluate the statement: “The kinetic energy of gas molecules becomes zero at absolute zero temperature (0 K).” Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

True
False

Correct Answer: True

Explanation:

Concept
For an ideal gas, the average translational kinetic energy per molecule is (3/2) k T. At T = 0 K, this expression gives zero kinetic energy.

Note
Quantum zero-point energy exists in real systems, but the ideal-gas kinetic theory model used in basic thermodynamics treats the average kinetic energy as proportional to T.

Final Answer
True

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