Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin scales; the absolute Kelvin scale is used in scientific calculations.
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Temperature scales assign numerical values to thermal states and differ in their reference points. The Kelvin scale is the SI standard and begins at absolute zero, where particle motion is at its minimum, so its values are always positive. The Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and the boiling point at 100 degrees under standard pressure, dividing that interval into 100 equal degrees. The Fahrenheit scale, widely used in the United States, places these points at 32 and 212 degrees. Conversions are K equals C plus 273.15 and F equals 1.8 C plus 32, and scientific calculations, especially those involving gas laws and Boltzmann factors, must use kelvin.
Key ideas: Convert with K equals C plus 273.15, and F equals 1.8 C plus 32. Differences are the same in kelvin and Celsius, and 1 K equals 1.8 F in size. Gas laws, Boltzmann factors and efficiencies demand absolute temperature.
Common mistakes and connections: Do not write degree sign with kelvin, and do not use Celsius in ratios. Negative kelvin values on the absolute scale are not possible for ordinary systems. The kelvin has been defined since 2019 by fixing the Boltzmann constant rather than the triple point of water.
Celsius axis with Kelvin equivalents: absolute zero is -273.15 C, water freezes at 0 C (273.15 K) and boils at 100 C (373.15 K). The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
A temperature of 300 K corresponds to 26.85 degrees Celsius, or about 80.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin scales; the absolute Kelvin scale is used in scientific calculations.
Temperature Scales is a beginner topic in Thermodynamics & Energetics. It needs no earlier chemistry lessons and is a good starting point.
Study these earlier topics in Thermodynamics & Energetics first: Heat Engine Efficiency, Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics, Thermal Equilibrium.
The next topics in Thermodynamics & Energetics are Latent Heat and Equipartition Theorem.
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Temperature Scales, and the Thermodynamics & Energetics quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Temperature Scales is topic 58 of 91 in Thermodynamics & Energetics.