Temperature conversion between Celsius and Kelvin is a simple but essential step in scientific calculations. Kelvin (K) is the unit of thermodynamic temperature used in the physical sciences, and it is especially significant in equations that deal with physical laws, like the ideal gas law. Since Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale, 0 K (also known as 'absolute zero') is the point where particles theoretically stop moving.
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, which is crucial for our problem, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. Here’s why this addition is necessary:
- The degree size in Kelvin is the same as in Celsius, so we don't need to adjust for scale differences.
- 0 K is absolute zero, while 0°C is the freezing point of water. The freezing point of water in Kelvin is 273.15 K.
- Therefore, the conversion is simply about shifting the scale up by 273.15 units to match the Kelvin scale with the Celsius scale at the freezing point of water.
Remember, always use Kelvin in gas law calculations, because pressure, volume, and the amount of gas are directly compared to energy, which requires an absolute temperature for accurate relationships in these scenarios.