5.3.1

Kelvin Scale & Absolute Zero

Test yourself

Kelvin Scale and Absolute Zero

Absolute zero defines the start of the Kelvin temperature scale.

Illustrative background for Absolute zeroIllustrative background for Absolute zero ?? "content

Absolute zero

  • As we increase the temperature of an object, we give kinetic energy to its particles, making them move around more.
  • The hotter an object gets, the more its particles move around.
  • Therefore the colder an object gets, the less its particles move around.
  • So there must be a temperature where all the particles completely stop moving - they have zero kinetic energy.
  • This temperature is called absolute zero.
Illustrative background for Absolute zeroIllustrative background for Absolute zero ?? "content

Absolute zero

  • Absolute zero is at 0K or -273°C.
  • It is the lowest possible temperature anything can ever reach.
Illustrative background for Kelvin temperature scale (K)Illustrative background for Kelvin temperature scale (K) ?? "content

Kelvin temperature scale (K)

  • Absolute zero is set as the start of the Kelvin temperature scale.
  • The increments of the Kelvin scale are the same as that of the Celsius scale (an increase of 1K is the same as an increase of 1°C).
Illustrative background for Kelvin temperature scale (K)Illustrative background for Kelvin temperature scale (K) ?? "content

Kelvin temperature scale (K)

  • To convert Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.
  • To convert from Kelvin to degrees Celsius, simply subtract 273.
    • E.g. 100°C is equivalent to 373K.

Jump to other topics

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium