Introduction

Temperature is an essential aspect of everyday life. It influences our clothing choices, provides us with reference points for cooking, and even plays a crucial role in the functioning of machinery. There are various temperature scales in use, with Celsius and Kelvin being among the most common.

In scientific fields, the Kelvin scale is frequently employed due to its association with absolute temperature. Converting between Celsius and Kelvin is an easy task if you’re familiar with the formula. In this article, we will discuss how to calculate Kelvin from Celsius and provide some examples for better comprehension.

Understanding Celsius and Kelvin Scales

The Celsius scale, named after Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, is a widely-used temperature scale in most countries around the world. It sets the melting point of ice at 0°C and the boiling point of water at 100°C under normal atmospheric conditions.

Kelvin, on the other hand, is an absolute temperature scale named after the British physicist Lord Kelvin (William Thomson). This scale defines absolute zero as 0 K – a point where all molecular motion stops. The melting point of ice in this scale is set at 273.15 K, while water boils at 373.15 K.

The Formula for Converting Celsius to Kelvin

The conversion from Celsius to Kelvin follows the simple formula:

K = C + 273.15

Here,

K denotes temperature in kelvin

C denotes temperature in celsius

273.15 is the constant figure used to relate both scales

To convert a value in degrees Celsius to its equivalent value in kelvin, simply add 273.15 to the original celsius value.

Examples of Conversion

Example 1:

If you want to convert a room temperature of 25°C into kelvin:

K = C + 273.15

K = 25 + 273.15

K = 298.15 K

Example 2:

Converting the boiling point of water, which is 100°C, into kelvin:

K = C + 273.15

K = 100 + 273.15

K = 373.15 K

Conclusion

Given the importance of temperature in various applications, knowing how to convert between different scales is essential. Whether you’re working in a scientific or practical context, converting Celsius to Kelvin using the above formula is a simple and valuable skill. With just a bit of practice, you’ll be able to effortlessly make these conversions in no time.