Kelvin scale

British  

noun

1. a thermodynamic temperature scale based upon the efficiencies of ideal heat engines. The zero of the scale is absolute zero. Originally the degree was equal to that on the Celsius scale but it is now defined so that the triple point of water is exactly 273.16 kelvins. The International Practical Temperature Scale (1968, revised 1990) realizes the Kelvin scale over a wide range of temperatures Compare Rankine scale

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Kelvin scale Scientific  

1. A scale of temperature beginning at absolute zero (−273.15°C or −459.67°F). Each degree, or kelvin, represents the same temperature increment as one degree on the Celsius scale. On the Kelvin scale water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K.

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Kelvin scale Cultural  

1. The standard temperature scale in scientific work, proposed by Lord Kelvin. A degree on the Kelvin scale is the same size as a degree on the Celsius scale, but the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero instead of at the freezing point of water. Thus, on the Kelvin scale, absolute zero is zero degrees, ice melts at about 273 degrees, and water boils at about 373 degrees.

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Example Sentences

When this line is extrapolated to lower pressures, it reaches a pressure of 0 at –273 °C, which is 0 on the kelvin scale and the lowest possible temperature, called absolute zero.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Under either name, it states that the pressure of a given amount of gas is directly proportional to its temperature on the kelvin scale when the volume is held constant.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Charles’s law states that the volume of a given amount of gas is directly proportional to its temperature on the kelvin scale when the pressure is held constant.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

What is this temperature on the kelvin scale and on the Fahrenheit scale?

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019