Absolute temperature scale
Definition
An absolute temperature scale is a thermodynamic temperature scale that uses absolute zero as its null point. The two most common absolute temperature scales are Kelvin and Rankine.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- It starts at absolute zero, the theoretical point where molecular motion ceases.
- The Kelvin scale is the SI unit for thermodynamic temperature and is used in scientific contexts.
- One Kelvin degree is equivalent to one degree Celsius; however, they have different starting points.
- Rankine scale is primarily used in engineering fields, particularly in the United States.
- Absolute temperature scales are crucial for understanding laws of thermodynamics such as the ideal gas law.
Review Questions
- What is the significance of absolute zero on an absolute temperature scale?
- How does one convert from Celsius to Kelvin?
- In what fields or applications might you encounter the Rankine scale?
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Related terms
Absolute Zero: The lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion stops, defined as 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius.
Kelvin Scale: A thermodynamic temperature scale where absolute zero is 0 K, and each increment represents one degree Celsius.
Rankine Scale: An absolute temperature scale used mainly in engineering systems in the US, where 0 degrees Rankine equals -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
