Question

Why do objects not cool to absolute zero by emitting all their thermal energy

Answer 1

Answer:

Because the object should shrink its volume to zero, which is impossible

Explanation:

Let's talk about gases for simplicity. Ideal gases are governed by the ideal gas equation:

$pV=nRT$

where

p is the gas pressure

V is the volume of the gas

n is the number of moles

R is the gas constant

T is the absolute temperature

From the formula, we see that T and V are directly proportional: therefore, in order for a gas to have an absolute temperature of zero, it must also have a volume of zero, which is impossible.