Kelvin To Celsius Formula
Introduction:
The Kelvin to Celsius conversion formula allows us to convert temperatures from the Kelvin scale to the Celsius scale. It is derived by subtracting 273.15 from the given temperature in Kelvin to obtain the equivalent temperature in Celsius. This formula is based on the fact that the Kelvin scale starts from absolute zero, where there is no molecular motion. By subtracting 273.15, we account for the difference between the Kelvin and Celsius scales. This conversion is commonly used in scientific and engineering applications to convert temperatures between the two scales.
Kelvin to Celsius Formula:
To convert temperature from Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C), you can use the following formula:
°C = K – 273.15
The formula is straightforward and involves a simple subtraction. To convert a temperature from Kelvin to Celsius, we subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature value. This adjustment is necessary because the Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, where 0 Kelvin corresponds to absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. In contrast, the Celsius scale is a relative temperature scale that uses the freezing point of water as 0 degrees Celsius.
The formula, °C = K – 273.15, is derived from the fact that one Kelvin is equal to one Celsius degree. By subtracting 273.15, we align the zero points of the two scales. The resulting Celsius temperature is numerically equal to the Kelvin temperature minus 273.15.
For example, if we have a temperature of 300 Kelvin, we can convert it to Celsius using the formula:
°C = 300 – 273.15
°C ≈ 26.85
This means that 300 Kelvin is approximately equal to 26.85 degrees Celsius.
Celsius to Kelvin Formula:
To convert a temperature from Celsius to Kelvin, you simply add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature value.
K = °C + 273.15
In this formula, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature to obtain the equivalent Kelvin temperature.
Applications of Kelvin to Celsius Formula:
The Kelvin to Celsius conversion is commonly used in scientific and engineering applications, where absolute temperatures are often required. It is essential for understanding and working with temperature data in these fields. It’s important to remember that Kelvin temperatures cannot be negative, as they represent absolute values. However, Celsius temperatures can be negative when they fall below 0 degrees Celsius.
Solved Examples on Kelvin to Celsius Formula:
Example 1: Convert 0 Kelvin to Celsius.
Solution:
Using the formula: °C = K – 273.15
Substituting the given value:
°C = 0 – 273.15
°C ≈ -273.15
Therefore, 0 Kelvin is approximately equal to -273.15 degrees Celsius.
Example 2: Convert 25 degrees Celsius to Kelvin.
Solution:
Using the formula: K = °C + 273.15
Substituting the given value:
K = 25 + 273.15
K ≈ 298.15
Therefore, 25 degrees Celsius is approximately equal to 298.15 Kelvin.
Example 2: Convert -10 degrees Celsius to Kelvin.
Solution:
Using the formula: K = °C + 273.15
Substituting the given value:
K = -10 + 273.15
K ≈ 263.15
Therefore, -10 degrees Celsius is approximately equal to 263.15 Kelvin.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kelvin to Celsius Formula:
1: What is the formula for Kelvin to Celsius?
To convert from Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C), you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature. The formula is: °C = K – 273.15.
2: Why is 0 Celsius is equal to 273 Kelvin?
Answer: The reason 0 degrees Celsius is equal to 273 Kelvin is because the Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale that starts from absolute zero, where molecular motion ceases. On the Celsius scale, 0 degrees represents the freezing point of water. The difference between these two points is 273 degrees, hence the conversion factor. By adding 273 to the temperature in Celsius, we can obtain the equivalent temperature in Kelvin. This conversion is based on the relationship between the two scales and allows for consistent and accurate temperature measurements in different systems.
3: What is the SI unit of temperature?
Answer: The SI unit of temperature is the kelvin (K). It is named after the physicist William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin. The kelvin is defined based on the absolute temperature scale, where 0 K represents absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. The kelvin scale is widely used in scientific and engineering applications for precise temperature measurements.
4: What is boiling point of water on Kelvin scale?
Answer: The boiling point of water on the Kelvin scale is approximately 373.15 K. This is equivalent to 100 degrees Celsius, as the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero and has the same size unit as the Celsius scale.
5: What is 0 Kelvin in Celsius?
Answer: 0 Kelvin is equal to -273.15 degrees Celsius. This temperature, known as absolute zero, is the lowest possible temperature on the Celsius scale and is equivalent to the absence of thermal energy.
6: Why Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature?
Answer: When it comes to temperature measurement, our initial inclination is usually towards the Celsius scale. However, from a scientific perspective, the Kelvin scale is considered the preferred unit. Unlike the Celsius scale, the Kelvin scale starts from absolute zero, where molecular motion ceases, eliminating negative values. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale that allows for more convenient representation of fundamental laws and equations, making it superior to the Celsius scale in terms of absolute temperature measurement.
7: Can the Celsius value be negative when converting from Kelvin?
Yes, when converting from Kelvin to Celsius, negative Celsius values can be obtained for temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius (equivalent to 273.15 Kelvin). This is because the Celsius scale has negative values, while the Kelvin scale does not.
8: Why is 273.15 subtracted when converting from Kelvin to Celsius?
The subtraction of 273.15 in the conversion formula is necessary to align the zero points of the Celsius and Kelvin scales. Absolute zero, the lowest temperature possible, is defined as 0 Kelvin, while 0 degrees Celsius corresponds to the freezing point of water.
9: How do I convert Celsius to Kelvin?
To convert from Celsius to Kelvin, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. The formula is: K = °C + 273.15.
10: Can the Kelvin value be negative when converting from Celsius?
No, when converting from Celsius to Kelvin, Kelvin values cannot be negative. The Kelvin scale starts from absolute zero, which is 0 Kelvin and corresponds to the lowest possible temperature. Negative Celsius temperatures are converted to Kelvin values above absolute zero.
11: Which scale is used in scientific research, Celsius or Kelvin?
In scientific research, Kelvin (K) is often preferred because it is an absolute temperature scale and does not have negative values. The Kelvin scale is used in many scientific calculations, especially in physics and chemistry.
12: Are the Celsius and Kelvin temperature intervals the same?
Yes, the Celsius and Kelvin temperature intervals are the same. One degree Celsius is equal to one Kelvin. The only difference is in the zero points and starting points of the two scales.
