Kelvin - An Explanation

Kelvin is a unit of measurement for temperature. It is one of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI). The Kelvin scale is named after the Scottish physicist William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin.

Unlike the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales, which use the freezing and boiling points of water as reference points, the Kelvin scale is based on absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature where the particles of matter have minimal motion.

On the Kelvin scale, the freezing point of water is 273.15 K, and the boiling point of water is 373.15 K. The size of the Kelvin degree is the same as the Celsius degree, so a change of one degree Celsius is equal to a change of one kelvin.

Study Guide for Kelvin

1. Understanding the Kelvin Scale: Learn about the concept of absolute zero and how it relates to the Kelvin scale. Understand the freezing and boiling points of water in kelvin.
2. Converting Between Kelvin and Celsius: Practice converting temperatures between Kelvin and Celsius using the following formulas:
   • Kelvin to Celsius: °C = K - 273.15
   • Celsius to Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15
3. Real-World Applications: Explore real-world examples of where the Kelvin scale is used, such as in scientific research, industrial processes, and astronomy.
4. Comparing Kelvin with Other Temperature Scales: Compare and contrast the Kelvin scale with the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales, highlighting the unique properties of each scale.

By mastering the concept of Kelvin and its application, you will have a solid understanding of temperature measurement and its significance in various fields of science and industry.