Multiple Choice
What is the value of absolute zero?
1. Intro to General Chemistry
Temperature
Multiple Choice
Which of the following shows the correct formula for converting temperature from kelvins to degrees Celsius?
A
C = K - 273.15
B
C = 273.15 - K
C
C = K / 273.15
D
C = K + 273.15
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the relationship between the Kelvin and Celsius temperature scales. Both scales have the same size degree, but their zero points differ.
Recall that 0 degrees Celsius corresponds to 273.15 kelvins. This means the Kelvin scale is shifted by 273.15 units relative to Celsius.
To convert a temperature from kelvins (K) to degrees Celsius (C), subtract 273.15 from the kelvin temperature because Celsius is lower by that amount.
Write the conversion formula as: \(C = K - 273.15\).
Verify that this formula makes sense by checking a known point, for example, 0 K corresponds to -273.15 °C, which matches the absolute zero concept.
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