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The temperature on the Kelvin scale can be obtained from the temperature on the Celsius scale by using the relationship K = C + 273. True or false? If false, correct the statement.

User LulY
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5 votes

Final answer:

The correct conversion from Celsius to Kelvin is K = C + 273.15, not just K = C + 273. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale widely used in science with the freezing point of water set at 273.15 K.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the temperature on the Kelvin scale can be obtained from the temperature on the Celsius scale by using the relationship K = C + 273 is almost true, but slightly inaccurate. The precise conversion formula is K = C + 273.15. This is because the freezing point of water is 273.15 K on the Kelvin scale, which corresponds to 0 degrees Celsius.

Thus, to convert from Celsius to Kelvin, one must add 273.15, not just 273. When converting temperatures in the reverse direction, from Kelvin to Celsius, one must subtract 273.15.

For example, if the temperature in Celsius is 22.2°C, the corresponding temperature in Kelvin would be 22.2°C + 273.15 = 295.35 K.

User Benny Davidovitz
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1 vote

Final answer:

The statement is false; the exact conversion from the Celsius scale to the Kelvin scale is K = C + 273.15, not K = C + 273. The Kelvin scale is an absolute scale used in science, starting at absolute zero, with no negative values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the temperature on the Kelvin scale can be obtained from the temperature on the Celsius scale by using the relationship K = C + 273 is almost true, but not completely accurate. The precise conversion factor between the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales is actually 273.15, not 273. Therefore, the correct relationship is K = C + 273.15.

The Kelvin scale is the SI unit for temperature and it is widely used in scientific work due to its absolute nature. Zero Kelvin (0 K) represents absolute zero, which is theoretically the lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases. Unlike other scales, such as Celsius or Fahrenheit, the Kelvin scale does not use degrees, and it starts from this absolute zero. To convert a Celsius temperature to Kelvin, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature, and to convert from Kelvin to Celsius, you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature.

User Davidxxx
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