Into the Impossible With Brian Keating The Scientists: Lord Kelvin’s Dangerous Idea (Absolute Zero)
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Sep 28, 2025 Explore the intriguing world of Lord Kelvin, whose groundbreaking ideas gave rise to the concept of absolute zero and the Kelvin scale. Discover how his work on thermodynamics connects to the cosmic microwave background, showcasing the universe's coldest temperatures. Delve into his early achievements at Glasgow, the evolution of physics, and the historical clash between Kelvin and Darwin over Earth's age. Despite some missteps, Kelvin's inventions and innovations continue to shape science and technology today.
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Kelvin Defined Absolute Zero
- Lord Kelvin coined the term absolute zero and established the Kelvin temperature scale tied to the Kelvin River in Glasgow.
- His work linked thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and industrial-era communications into modern science.
Campus Walk Linking Kelvin To Glasgow
- Brian Keating walks the University of Glasgow campus and explains why Kelvin is named after the nearby Kelvin River.
- He points out buildings, lecture theaters, and local symbols that commemorate Kelvin's legacy.
Why Absolute Zero Is Unreachable
- Absolute zero means molecular motion stops and requires a heat reservoir and exhaust to approach.
- Modern labs use dilution refrigerators and evaporative cooling to reach fractions of a Kelvin but can never reach true absolute zero.
