Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases. One Kelvin unit equals one degree Celsius.
Absolute Zero: This refers to 0K on the Kelvin scale where all molecular motion stops theoretically.
Celsius Scale: A metric system-based temperature measurement scale where water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius under standard atmospheric conditions.
Thermal Energy: This term refers to internal energy present in a system due to its temperature.