Kelvin to Celsius conversion: K to °C calculator (2024)

How to I convert from Kelvin to Celsius?

Converting from Kelvin to Celsius is a straightforward process that involves subtracting 273.15 from the given temperature in Kelvin. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, where 0 Kelvin (K) represents absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases. On the other hand, the Celsius scale is a relative temperature scale, with 0 degrees Celsius (°C) representing the freezing point of water and 100 degrees Celsius representing the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure.

To convert a temperature from Kelvin to Celsius, simply subtract 273.15 from the given temperature in Kelvin. For example, if we have a temperature of 300 Kelvin, the conversion would be as follows: 300 K - 273.15 = 26.85 °C

Therefore, a temperature of 300 Kelvin is equivalent to 26.85 degrees Celsius. It is important to note that the Kelvin scale is often used in scientific and engineering applications, where absolute temperature measurements are required. The Celsius scale, on the other hand, is commonly used in everyday life and weather forecasts. Understanding how to convert between these two scales is essential for accurate temperature measurements and comparisons.

Why convert from Kelvin to Celsius?

Converting from Kelvin to Celsius is a common practice in the field of science and engineering. While both Kelvin and Celsius are temperature scales, they have different starting points and units of measurement. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, where zero Kelvin (0 K) represents absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases. On the other hand, the Celsius scale is a relative temperature scale, where zero degrees Celsius (0 °C) represents the freezing point of water.

Converting from Kelvin to Celsius is useful for several reasons. Firstly, the Celsius scale is more commonly used in everyday life and in many scientific applications. By converting temperatures from Kelvin to Celsius, it becomes easier to relate them to familiar temperature ranges and understand their practical implications. Additionally, many scientific formulas and equations are based on the Celsius scale, making it necessary to convert temperatures from Kelvin to Celsius for accurate calculations. Furthermore, converting from Kelvin to Celsius allows for easier comparison and analysis of temperature data, as it aligns with the temperature scale commonly used in weather forecasts, climate studies, and other scientific research. Overall, converting from Kelvin to Celsius is essential for practicality, compatibility, and better understanding of temperature measurements.

About Celsius

Celsius is the most commonly used temperature scale in the world. The Celsius scale (known as the centigrade in some instances) is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. It is based on the freezing and boiling points of water at standard atmospheric pressure making 0°C the freezing point and 100°C the boiling point.

The Celsius scale is normally found in weather forecasts, household temperatures and cooking in most countries with the notable exception of the United States.

About Kelvin

Kelvin is an absolute temperature measurement defined in the International System of Units (SI). It is named after the Scottish physicist William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) who studied the field of thermodynamics. The Kelvin scale is based on absolute zero; the point at which all molecular motion ceases.

Unlike most other temperature scales, Kelvin does not have degrees as it is not a relative scale. The Kelvin scale is often used in physics, chemistry, and cosmology.

One advantage of Kelvin is that it does not have negative values making some calculations easier. This is useful in science calculations involving gases as it relates to the kinetic energy of molecules.

What happens at absolute zero (0K)?

At absolute zero, 0 Kelvin (0K) or -273.15 degrees Celsius, the temperature is at the lowest possible point anything can possibly be. At this temperature the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules is zero causing them to come to a complete standstill. All molecular motion ceases and matter becomes still.

Several amazing phenomena occur here. As there is no molecular motion there is no heat energy and this has significant implications for the physical properties of the substance. For example, materials become very brittle and their electrical resistance becomes zero. Gases and liquids freeze into solids.

Scientists have never cooled anything down to absolute zero. However they have been able to see the effects of approaching absolute zero. This has provided insights into the behavior of matter and have led to the understanding of superconductors and Bose-Einstein condensates.

Why can you not go below -273.15°C?

The temperature -273.15°C is known as absolute zero and it is the lowest possible temperature that can exist in the universe. At this point all molecular motion ceases and no further fall in temperature is possible since the kinetic energy of particles is at zero and they come to a complete standstill.

The Kelvin and Rankine scales start at absolute zero.

Going below -273.15°C or 0K is impossible because it contradicts the laws of thermodynamics. The energy of particles in an object decreases as they lose kinetic energy and their ability to move. At absolute zero the particles have no energy to give up making any further fall in temperature impossible as this would require them to have negative energy which is not possible.

Why can't you get a negative Kelvin value?

Kelvin is an absolute measurement of temperature meaning it starts at absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature in our universe. Absolute zero is 0 Kelvin(K) or -273.15 degrees Celsius(°C). The Kelvin scale is based on the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance.

You cannot have a negative Kelvin value because at 0K there is no kinetic energy in the particles and are at their lowest possible state of motion. It is impossible for a system to have less energy than zero.

Negative Kelvin would imply that a system has a negative thermal energy which breaks the principles of thermodynamics. It is important to remember that negative temperatures exist in other temperature scales such as the Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Why is Kelvin quoted as K and not °K?

This abbreviation of K is based on the fact that Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale where zero Kelvin (0K) is absolute zero. Celsius and Fahrenheit which have arbitrary zero points based on freezing and boiling points of water are relative and have degrees of relation whereas the Kelvin scale is based on the absolute thermodynamic temperature.

By omitting the degree symbol, it reminds us that Kelvin is not a relative measurement but a unit of measurement on its own. The use of "K" instead of "°K" for Kelvin was decided as an SI convention to reserve the degree symbol for relative temperature scales.