Chemistry / Unit 11 Chem 2093 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Third Law of Thermodynamics
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The idea
The third law of thermodynamics: a perfect crystal at absolute zero has exactly zero entropy, since only one microstate is accessible.
In practice
A perfectly ordered crystal cooled to 0 K has no thermal motion and only one possible particle arrangement.
Where people slip
Real crystals never reach exactly 0 K, so the third law names a reference point, not an achievable substance.
Your place on the trail
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