Temperature Scales
Three common temperature scales are shown at the right. The Kelvin scale is on the left-hand side of the image and is the scale we will use most often in our class. The Kelvin scale is broken up into Kelvin, NOT degrees Kelvin. In addition, absolute zero (the lowest possible temperature in the universe) is defined as zero Kelvin. As a result, a temperature measured in Kelvin can never be negative.
The Celsius scale is shown in the middle and is often used in science classes and by much of the world. Because the size of 1 degree Celsius is the same as the size of 1 Kelvin, it is easy to convert from Celsius to Kelvin and vice versa. To convert from Kelvin to Celsius, just subtract 273.15, and to convert from Celsius to Kelvin, just do the opposite. The Fahrenheit scale is shown on the right and is used by many people in the United States. However, the Fahrenheit scale is NOT used in our class or by scientists in general. |
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