Introduction to Celsius and Kelvin
You must have felt your temperature due to fever during times of illness. During the Covid-19 times, everywhere we visited, our temperatures would be checked. As per the Georgia State University, temperature can be defined as a measure which is the average of kinetic energy of a substance. This temperature is measured using certain scales universally. Today we will study two of them - celsius and kelvin.
Celsius and Kelvin Scales
Kelvin and Celsius are standard units that are used to measure temperature. They have both similarities and differences. One difference is that their starting point varies. IF K is the temperature on the Kelvin Scale and D is the temperature on the Celsius scale, then
K = D + 273 or D = K - 273.
The units for Celsius and Kelvin are degree celsius and the temperature in the kelvin scale itself respectively.
The scales are used to obtain measurements of temperature which are then used in various calculations and calibrations. The facts and parameters for both celsius and kelvin are equally valid. The value of Kelvin especially stands at -273 which is also the negative reciprocal of 0.0366. It is considered as a reliable thermodynamic measuring scale and because it gives almost errorless results, it is widely used by scientists. While celsius is more familiar to common people, kelvin is used in standardized processes and equations.
With international agreements certifying the celsius scale, we can use it to measure both the absolute zero and triple point apart from the freezing and boiling points of water.
Difference Between Celsius and Kelvin Scale
Until 1954, Scientists stated that the melting point of ice is 00 C and the boiling point of ice is 100 0C. All these parameters are considered under constant temperature and pressure. It would help if you learnt all these from your schools.
Well, the unit' degrees Celsius' is available in the standard Celsius scale. The international agreement has certified this scale. You can calculate the temperature of two different points, such as absolute zero and absolute point. This type of scale is used to calculate the temperature difference of specially prepared water.
Temperature measuring units like Celsius and Kelvin both are significant. The use of these two units in particular in the scientific world. In these cases, calibration is essential. Also, these two units possess very much similarity along with distinct quality.
These two parameters are widely used among multiple sectors for the proper measurement of instruments.
Insights from History:
Andres Celsius Put forward the unit 'Celsius" after his name. He invented the unit in 1742. Just explained before, the boiling point and melting point of ice before 1954 was 1000C and 0oC. These parameters were obtained under standard atmospheric pressure.
Scientists considered the obtained measurements for the calculation of multiple problems and any other important calculations or mechanical usages.
However, the actual value is -273.15 0C, and the triple point lies at 00C. Many scientists consider the definition for Celsius scale still worthy. Well, let's not focus on the definition but focus on facts and parameters.
Like Celsius, Kelvin was denoted as the degree unit to honor Sir William Thomson the Baron of Kelvin. He was the first person who proposed that there should be another system just like the same size as the unit (Celsius).
Some scientists are predicting the reason behind why it can easily be combined with any type of mathematical equation. Also, the definition has the statement that it is having variables of temperature.
Calculation of Celsius and Kelvin
The Celsius scale slightly differs from the Kelvin but not that much. First, you may change it to Kelvin. Then the value is ready to apply.
It is quite easy if you consider the conversion as usual. If you want to convert it to Kelvin, add 273.15 to your Celsius value, such as K = °C + 273.15.
But in the case of calculation of Celsius, try the subtraction method.
Subtract the same constant from Kelvin value to convert it to Celsius such as °C = K − 273.15.
FAQs on Relation Between Celsius and Kelvin
1. Do you know why 273 is considered for Kelvin?
Today, scientists consider the scale of Kevin as the thermodynamic measuring scale. The value of Kelvin is "-273". Also, this is the negative reciprocal of 0.0366. This value is the accepted expansion coefficient of gas. This scale gives a remarkable result without error.
2. What are the uses of the kelvin scale?
As Indians we might be much more familiar with the celsius scale. However, the Kelvin scale is equally popular in the world of science. Some of its uses are as follows:
Firstly it is not expressed in degrees but describes temperature by itself which makes it unique.
It helps in the determination of color temperature.
It helps reflect total absence of thermal energy at zero which no other scale can
This scale is independent of the properties of a substance hence it is widely used by scientists.
It can be calibrated anywhere with the help of good scientific equipment and the presence of a universal constant.
3. Why is the Celsius scale widely used among scientists?
Many scientists prefer the Celsius scale for easier results and convenient measurement. Celsius is a degree which is always in favour of different types of calculations. The unit of Celsius is prevalent in industrial usage.
4. If Carbon dioxide starts to boil at the temperature of -182.96 0C, then convert the value of Kelvin's temperature.
Given data:
Liquid Carbon dioxide boils at -182.960C (under normal pressure)
So to calculate in Kelvin, you need to put this formula: K = ºC + 273.15.
or, K = -182.96 + 273.15.
or, K = 90.19 K
5. What is the difference between the kelvin and celsius scale?
The unit difference between these two is the same but different starting point. Here, K = temperature on the Kelvin scale. D = temperature on the Celsius scale.
Formulated by Sir Anders Celsius, the celsius system dates back to 1742. Under standard atmospheric conditions, celsius was used to describe the freezing and boiling points of water, i.e. 0 degree celsius and 100 degree celsius respectively. However, recently it has been used to describe absolute zero at the value of -273.15 degree celsius and define triple point at 0.01 degree celsius.
Whereas the Kelvin scale was named thus in honor of Sir William Thomson. He suggested that there should be another temperature-calculating system similar to the celsius. But he said that it should differ in how it describes the 0 degree as the absolute zero. Hence the Kelvin scale is also known as the absolute temperature measurement scale. For celsius to be applicable in mathematical equations that seek to measure variables of temperature, it first needs to be converted into kelvin.
6. What are the uses of the celsius scale?
The celsius is also known as the centigrade. Following are some uses of the celsius scale:
It is one of the most commonly used temperature scales
It helps measure the difference between temperatures and uncertainties
It helps in the expression of temperature intervals
7. What are the resources available on Vedantu to prepare for this topic?
Vedantu has various resources to help every student understand the definition, properties and uses of temperature measuring scales such celsius, fahrenheit and kelvin. When students study this topic they can download PDFs of Revision Notes, Important Concepts and Articles provided on Vedantu’s student-friendly website. Students can also request for personalized tutoring sessions with Vedantu’s expert teachers.
8. What are the various applications that help measure temperature?
In today’s world of advanced scientific developments, various instruments exist to measure temperature in different kinds of set-ups across the world like :
Temperature sensor applications
Thermocouples
Thermometers
Silicon diode
Resistive temperature measuring devices
Infrared temperature measurement devices
Bimetallic temperature measurement
Change-of-state temperature measurement devices