But this cannot go on forever. At one point, the particles have to stop moving, and this corresponds theoretically to the coldest possible temperature. You cannot go colder than that – this explains the existence of a minimum possible temperature.

Absolute zero is the lowest temperature possible. Absolute zero occurs at a temperature of 0 degrees Kelvin, or -273.15 degrees Celsius, or at -460 degrees Fahrenheit.

To solve for the value of absolute zero, use the equation for a line, y = mx + b. Absolute zero is the temperature at which the gas’s pressure equals zero. This is the line’s x-intercept. To calculate this value, set y = 0, substitute in the value of the slope, and solve for x.

It is because 1 degree size of kelvin scale was taken equal to 1 degree celsius. Since in celsius scale 0 is taken as the ice point, but system poses a considerable energy at this point too, that is why we have a negative temperature in celsius showing molecular energy level lower than the ice point.

Summary: On the absolute temperature scale, which is used by physicists and is also called the Kelvin scale, it is not possible to go below zero – at least not in the sense of getting colder than zero kelvin. At zero kelvin (minus 273 degrees Celsius) the particles stop moving and all disorder disappears.

The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. At an internal temperature of 95 degrees, humans can experience hypothermia, shivering and pale skin. At 86 degrees, they become unconscious and, at 77 degrees, cardiac arrest can occur. Most people cannot survive if their core temperature drops to 75 degrees.

32 degrees Fahrenheit

Hypothermia can happen in minutes At 30 below zero, hypothermia can set in in about 10 minutes. Over the next few days, the upper Midwest and Great Lakes will face temperatures 20 to 40 degrees below average, with even more brutal wind chills.

That’s called hypothermia and it’s a real danger. Death can happen faster if you fall through ice into freezing water below. Watch first for frostbite. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes in freezing temperatures with a wind chill factor.

At 82 F (28 C) you can lose consciousness. Below 70 F (21 C), you are said to have profound hypothermia and death can occur, Sawka said.

When to be concerned, and how to treat it Once the wind chill makes the temperature feel like –28 or colder, exposed skin can freeze in under 30 minutes. When it drops to –40, frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes. Take it to –55, and you’re in danger within two minutes.

The joints and muscles of the affected area may also stop working. After the area is rewarmed, it will develop large blisters within 24 to 48 hours and the area will turn black and hard because the tissue has died, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Frostnip is quickly reversible. With frostbite, the skin looks pale, thick and inflexible, and may even blister. In addition, the skin usually feels numb, although there may be minimal sensation to touch.

If you have deep frostbite, you may also receive a type of medication called a “clot-buster.” Very severe cases of frostbite can lead to development of blood clots. This type of medication may help to improve blood flow to the injured area. Following rewarming, the area will appear black and feel hard.

In deep frostbite, the skin is numb and feels hard, like wood. It looks pale or white. At this point, muscle and bone may be frozen. In more severe cases of frostbite, the skin can turn blue, gray or even black because of tissue injury.

For milder cases of frostbite, take over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to reduce pain and inflammation. For superficial frostbite that has been rewarmed, some people find it soothing to apply aloe vera gel or lotion to the affected area several times a day. Avoid further exposure to cold and wind.

If left untreated, frostbite can permanently damage skin, underlying tissues, muscles, and even bones. Severe frostbite can lead to further complications like nerve damage and infections, making frostbite something that you should NOT take lightly.

If you suffer mild to moderate frostbite, you may become sensitive to cold and pain — and you may also have ongoing numbness. And if you suffer severe or “deep” frostbite, you might also have: Damage to your tendons, muscles, nerves and bones. Arthritis, bone deformities, scars and skin and nail changes or weakness.

When you’re out of the cold and the tissue has thawed out, the skin will turn red and blister, which can be painful. There may also be swelling and itching. This is known as superficial frostbite, as it affects the top layers of skin and tissue.

After rewarming, the skin will be discoloured and blistered, and will eventually scab over. If the frostbite is superficial, new pink skin will form beneath the discoloured skin and scabs. The area usually recovers within 6 months.

Frostbite occurs in several stages:

• Frostnip. Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite.
• Superficial frostbite. Superficial frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale.
• Deep (severe) frostbite. As frostbite progresses, it affects all layers of the skin, including the tissues that lie below.