Question

On both the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales, there are ______ degrees between the normal freezing and boiling points of water.

Short answer

On both the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales, there are \(100\) degrees between the normal freezing and boiling points of water.

Step-by-step solution

Find the difference in degrees on the Celsius scale

On the Celsius temperature scale, the normal freezing point of water is 0°C, and the normal boiling point of water is 100°C. To find the difference in degrees between these two points, we subtract the freezing point from the boiling point: Difference in Celsius degrees = Boiling point - Freezing point Difference in Celsius degrees = 100°C - 0°C Difference in Celsius degrees = 100°C

Convert the difference in degrees to Kelvin scale

To convert the difference in Celsius degrees to Kelvin degrees, we can use the following formula: Difference in Kelvin degrees = Difference in Celsius degrees Since 1 degree Celsius is equal to 1 degree Kelvin, we don't need to apply any conversion factor. Therefore, the difference in degrees between the normal freezing and boiling points of water on the Kelvin scale is also 100 degrees.

Answer

On both the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales, there are 100 degrees between the normal freezing and boiling points of water.

Key concepts

Celsius scale

The Celsius scale is a metric temperature scale used worldwide, especially in scientific contexts. It was originally developed by Anders Celsius in the 18th century. This scale sets two crucial reference points:

• The freezing point of water is defined at 0°C.
• The boiling point of water is defined at 100°C, under normal atmospheric pressure.

This makes the Celsius scale intuitive and easy to interpret since the basis for calibration (water's phase changes) is a common and widely understood phenomenon. The scale is linear, meaning each degree represents the same temperature increment, making it straightforward to measure temperature differences.

Kelvin scale

The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, commonly used in scientific research and thermodynamics. Unlike the Celsius scale, the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is theoretically the coldest possible temperature. Here are some important points about the Kelvin scale:

• Absolute zero, or 0 K, is the point at which all molecular motion ceases.
• The freezing point of water on the Kelvin scale is 273.15 K.
• The boiling point of water is 373.15 K.

The Kelvin scale and Celsius scale increment identically, meaning a change in 1 degree Celsius is the same as a change in 1 Kelvin. This direct relationship ensures that when converting, the difference between any two points remains the same, such as the 100 degrees difference between the freezing and boiling points of water.

freezing point of water

The freezing point of water is a pivotal concept in thermodynamics and everyday life. It serves as a baseline for both the Celsius and Kelvin scales. On the Celsius scale, water freezes at 0°C, while on the Kelvin scale, it freezes at 273.15 K. Understanding the freezing point is crucial for:

• Weather prediction and analysis.
• Industrial applications where precise temperature control is crucial.
• Studying the behavior of substances as they transition from liquid to solid states.

The freezing point is also important in calibrating thermometers and ensuring accuracy in measurements across different scientific fields.

boiling point of water

The boiling point of water is another fundamental reference point and understanding it is essential for grasping how heat energy works. For pure water, the boiling point under normal atmospheric pressure is 100°C on the Celsius scale and 373.15 K on the Kelvin scale. Here are some situations where the boiling point is particularly important:

• Cooking and culinary processes, where precise boiling is necessary.
• Engineering and mechanical systems, like steam engines, which depend on water's boiling properties.
• Scientific experiments where controlling boiling points is crucial to ensure accurate results.

Understanding these points aids in a wide range of practical applications, from simply boiling water for tea to complex industrial processes requiring precise temperature management.