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First, note that Kelvin is typically not expressed in degree(s), just Temperature Kelvin

(e.g., 50 K for 50 kelvin). ***(note2 at bottom, about kelvin vs degree kelvin)

Kelvin is a temperature scale based upon 0K being absolute zero*(note1 at bottom), which is currently the lowest possible temperature. This is not possible to actually achieve, but it can be determined as the point at which a 'perfect' (ideal gas) gas would have zero pressure and volume as it contracts on cooling. As most gases behave very much like a perfect gas and the deviation of real gases is well understood, this allows us to calculate the exact temperature at which this would happen. That temperature is zero Kelvin.

For the ideal gas this is the point at which the molecules (assumed to be perfect non-interacting mathematical points) stop all motion. So the pressure (which is caused by the gas molecules bouncing off the container walls) is zero. At this point also, the gas has zero kinetic energy.

(In reality quantum mechanics shows that particles must have a certain amount of energy even at zero Kelvin. This is termed the 'zero point' energy, and is manifest in a tiny amount of vibrational energy. So in reality there is residual motion in a gas at absolute zero, but this cannot exert any pressure as that would involve removing the residual energy which cannot happen. So in quantum terms it is the point at which no mechanical energy can be extracted from the system.)

The Kelvin scale is named for British mathematician and physicist William Thompson, 1st Baron Kelvin (1824-1907), who did much to unify the modern field of Physics.

Equivalent Temperatures in Other Temperature Scales

-273.16° Celsius

-459.67° Fahrenheit

0° Rankine**

-218° Réaumur

*Note1 - The Kelvin scale is indeed based upon the triple point of water, being assigned to 273.16 K; this point is beyond the scope of this discussion, however.

**Kelvin and Rankine are both based upon 0 as absolute zero, however Kelvin uses the interval of 1 K is equal to 1° Celsius, and Rankine uses the interval of 1° Rankine is equal to 1° Fahrenheit.

***Note2 - The accepted SI unit for temperature is K, not, degree(s) K. In scientific papers you will typically only find K, though it is still colloquially accepted to use degree Kelvin when you mean Kelvin.

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Related Questions

What is 0 Celsius on the kelvin scale?

0 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 273.15 Kelvin on the Kelvin scale.


Can the Kelvin scale have negative temperatures?

No, the Kelvin scale does not have negative temperatures. Zero Kelvin is absolute zero, the lowest temperature that can be reached where particles have minimal thermal motion. Negative temperatures do not exist on the Kelvin scale.


What is the equivalent of 0 Kelvin on the Celsius scale?

0 Kelvin = -273.15 degrees Celcius.


What is 0 degrees C on the Kelvin scale?

0 degrees Celsius is 273.15 Kelvin


Is the degree symbol used with the Kelvin scale?

Yes, the degree symbol is used with the Kelvin scale. For example, the temperature 0 degrees Kelvin is written as "0 K."


What is 0celsius into kelvin scale?

0 celsius is the equivalent to 273.15 Kelvin.


0 is equal to -273 Fahrenheit on the kelvin scale?

273


Is absolute zero is equal to -273 degrees on the Kelvin scale?

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Which temperature scale was used of water froze at 273 degrees?

The temperature scale where water froze at 273 degrees is likely the Kelvin scale. On the Kelvin scale, 0 degrees represents absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases. Hence, 273 degrees Kelvin corresponds to 0 degrees Celsius.


What temperature scale has no negative temperatures joule Celsius kelvin Fahrenheit?

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What is the coldest point on the kelvin scale?

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