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Temperature & the Kelvin Scale

Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 5.3.2

Temperature and the Kelvin Scale

In physics, the Kelvin scale is more useful than the °C scale. This is because we can use it in useful equations.

Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy

  • The Kelvin temperature of a gas is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of particles in a gas.
  • T α kinetic energy
  • If we double the temperature, we double the average kinetic energy.
  • If we halve the temperature, we halve the average kinetic energy.
Pressure

Pressure

  • For a fixed mass of gas at constant volume, pressure divided by the Kelvin temperature is constant.
  • p1 / T1 = p2 / T2.
  • This is another way of saying pressure is proportional to temperature.
  • p α T.
  • If we double the pressure, we double the temperature.

Test yourself on Temperature & the Kelvin Scale

  • If we halve the temperature of a gas (measured in Kelvin), then we...

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