Celsius to Kelvin

Celsius to Kelvin: A Guide to Temperature Conversion

Celsius and Kelvin are two temperature scales commonly used in scientific and engineering applications. While Celsius is widely used in everyday life, Kelvin is the standard unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI). Converting temperatures between Celsius and Kelvin can be useful for scientific calculations and understanding physical phenomena.

In this article, we will explore the differences between Celsius and Kelvin, the formulas for converting temperatures between the two scales, and some common temperature conversions.

Celsius vs. Kelvin: What's the difference?

Celsius and Kelvin are both temperature scales that measure the amount of heat in a substance or object. However, they use different units of measurement and have different zero points.

The Celsius scale uses degrees Celsius (°C) to measure temperature. The freezing point of water is defined as 0°C, and the boiling point of water is defined as 100°C. The Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water at sea level.

The Kelvin scale uses kelvins (K) to measure temperature. The zero point of the Kelvin scale (0 K) is defined as absolute zero, the theoretical point at which all molecular motion ceases. Absolute zero is equivalent to -273.15°C.

Formulas for Converting Celsius to Kelvin

To convert Celsius to Kelvin, you can use the following formula:

K = °C + 273.15

This formula involves adding 273.15 to the Celsius temperature to get the equivalent Kelvin temperature.

For example, to convert 25°C to Kelvin, you would use the formula:

K = 25 + 273.15
K = 298.15

Therefore, 25°C is equal to 298.15 K.

Formulas for Converting Kelvin to Celsius

To convert Kelvin to Celsius, you can use the following formula:

°C = K - 273.15

This formula involves subtracting 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature to get the equivalent Celsius temperature.

For example, to convert 300 K to Celsius, you would use the formula:

°C = 300 - 273.15
°C = 26.85

Therefore, 300 K is equal to 26.85°C.

Common Temperature Conversions

Here are some common temperature conversions between Celsius and Kelvin:

- -273.15°C = 0 K (absolute zero)
- 0°C = 273.15 K (freezing point of water)
- 10°C = 283.15 K
- 20°C = 293.15 K
- 25°C = 298.15 K
- 30°C = 303.15 K
- 37°C = 310.15 K (normal body temperature)
- 100°C = 373.15 K (boiling point of water)

Conclusion

Converting temperatures between Celsius and Kelvin is important for scientific and engineering applications. The formulas for converting temperatures are simple and involve basic arithmetic. It's important to use the correct formula and to be aware of the zero points of each scale. By understanding Celsius and Kelvin, you can better understand physical phenomena and make informed decisions based on temperature readings.