Gas Properties — Name of the Temperature Where the Extrapolated Gas Volume Becomes Zero On the absolute temperature scale, the temperature at which the volume of an ideal gas extrapolates to zero is called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: absolute zero temperature

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Understanding absolute temperature and its physical meaning is central to thermodynamics and kinetic theory. Extrapolating gas law behavior to zero volume identifies a key reference point on the Kelvin scale.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Ideal-gas behavior at low densities.
  • Linear V–T relationship at constant pressure: V ∝ T.
  • Use of the absolute (Kelvin) temperature scale.


Concept / Approach:
Charles’ law indicates V1/T1 = V2/T2 at constant pressure for an ideal gas. Extrapolating this straight line to V = 0 yields T = 0 K, called the absolute zero temperature. At absolute zero, ideal-gas pressure and volume vanish in the limiting sense, consistent with minimal thermal motion.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Start from V ∝ T (constant pressure, fixed mass).Extrapolate to V = 0 ⇒ T = 0 K.Therefore the correct term is “absolute zero temperature.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Absolute zero is the zero point of the Kelvin scale; thermodynamic temperature is defined so that Carnot efficiency depends only on temperature ratio T_cold/T_hot.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Absolute temperature” is the general term for temperature measured from 0 K; “absolute scale of temperature” is the name of the scale, not the specific point.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the scale (Kelvin) with the specific zero point; applying real-gas deviations at high pressures where linearity breaks down.


Final Answer:
absolute zero temperature

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