What occurs as a system approaches absolute zero?

As a system approaches absolute zero, the temperature decreases towards the lowest possible limit in thermodynamic terms, which is 0 Kelvin. At this temperature, the kinetic energy of the particles in the system approaches zero, resulting in a state where atomic motion is minimal.

This reduction in thermal motion leads to a significant decrease in the system's entropy, which is a measure of disorder or randomness. According to the third law of thermodynamics, as the temperature of a perfect crystal approaches absolute zero, the entropy of the system approaches a minimum value—ideally zero. In practical terms, it implies that the arrangement of particles becomes more orderly and predictable. All processes, such as chemical reactions or phase changes, theoretically cease, as the thermal energy is insufficient to drive them.

This understanding illustrates that as you reach absolute zero, the chaos associated with higher temperatures diminishes, confirming that processes are essentially halted, and the system's entropy is minimized.