Question

What is the value of absolute temperature on the Celsius Scale? (A) \(-273.15^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (B) \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (C) \(-32^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (D) \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)

Short answer

The value of absolute temperature on the Celsius Scale is \(-273.15 ^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Step-by-step solution

Relationship between Celsius and Kelvin scales

The relationship between the Celsius (°C) and Kelvin (K) temperature scales is given by the following formula: \(T_{K} = T_{°C} + 273.15\) Where \(T_{K}\) is the temperature in Kelvin and \(T_{°C}\) is the temperature in Celsius.

Define absolute zero

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature where atoms would stop moving. This temperature is defined as \(0 \, K\). We need to find the equivalent temperature in Celsius to find the absolute temperature on the Celsius Scale.

Calculate the equivalent temperature in Celsius

Using the relationship between Celsius and Kelvin, we plug in the value for absolute zero on the Kelvin scale and solve for Celsius: \(0 \, K = T_{°C} + 273.15\) Now, solve for \(T_{°C}\): \(T_{°C} = 0 \, K - 273.15\) \(T_{°C} = -273.15 ^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)

Choose the correct answer

The value of absolute zero on the Celsius Scale is \(-273.15 ^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Hence, the correct answer is: (A) \(-273.15^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)

Key concepts

Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale is a temperature measurement system named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. It is widely used around the world in everyday life, especially for weather reports and in scientific contexts. The scale originally was defined by two fixed points:

• 0°C: The temperature at which water freezes
• 100°C: The temperature at which water boils at 1 atmosphere of pressure

The Celsius scale is directly related to the Kelvin scale, and it can be easily converted using simple formulas. Temperatures in Celsius are often used for expressing temperatures encountered in daily activities as well as in laboratories.
In scientific research, due to its practicality, it assists in expressing heat, thermal expansion, and many other temperature-related phenomena.

Kelvin Scale

The Kelvin scale is the primary temperature scale used in scientific research and measurements. Named after the physicist Lord Kelvin (William Thomson), it provides an absolute measurement of temperature. The Kelvin scale is unique because it starts at absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases.

• Absolute zero is 0 K
• No negative values because it reflects the lowest physically possible temperature
• Same increment size as Celsius (1 K = 1°C), facilitating conversions

The Kelvin scale is crucial in fields like physics and chemistry, allowing precise and standardized temperature measurements that are essential for experiments, simulations, and theoretical models.
It's essential when dealing with phenomena where energy changes need exact quantification.

Absolute Zero

Absolute zero is the theoretical point in temperature where particles possess minimum thermal motion. It is considered the coldest possible temperature, equivalent to 0 K or \[-273.15^{\circ} \text{C}\]. At this point, atoms possess minimal kinetic energy and no heat energy can be extracted. - It serves as a reference point for the Kelvin scale.- Scientists view absolute zero as the foundation of thermodynamic calculations.

• In reality, reaching absolute zero is practically impossible.
• Research near absolute zero leads to discoveries such as superfluidity and superconductivity.

Understanding absolute zero not only aids in temperature discussions but also helps delve deeper into the physics governing molecular motion and energy distribution.
It also plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the universe's fundamental limits.

Temperature Conversion

Temperature conversion is the process of transforming a temperature value from one scale to another. The two most used scales, Celsius and Kelvin, are often interchanged in scientific work using a straightforward equation.

• Convert Celsius to Kelvin: \(\text{T}_K = \text{T}_{°C} + 273.15\)
• Convert Kelvin to Celsius: \(\text{T}_{°C} = \text{T}_K - 273.15\)

This conversion is essential, as it allows for consistency and accuracy in temperature readings across different domains and scientific research.
While converting, remember that the Kelvin scale does not use the "degree" unit, differentiating it from both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Mastery of temperature conversion not only aids in solving physics and chemistry problems but also ensures a comprehensive understanding of thermal dynamics globally used in various industries.