Unit 3, Lesson 5

Here, we were introduced to the third and final temperature scale (remember how I mentioned there being three in my lesson 4 post?). It's called the Kelvin scale. It does not require the use of a degree mark, only a capital K. Associated with Kelvin is the term 'absolute zero', which is a temperature we haven't been able to reach, but have gotten quite close to. To find a Kelvin temperature, you can use these formulas:

K = C + 273

C = K - 273

As a side-note, keep in mind that molecules/particles in a sample of gas are always moving. An object in motion will stay in motion unless an outside force interferes with it. Particles travel in straight lines until they bump into each other or into a wall.

Problems:

5.) Which unit is the smallest: one Celsius degree, one Kelvin, or one Fahrenheit? You find a Kelvin degree by adding 273 to a Celsius degree, which makes Kelvins the biggest units of temperature and Celsius the next step down. Because a Celsius degree can encompass many Fahrenheit degrees, Fahrenheit is the smallest unit of temperature measurement.

9.) Convert these temperatures to the Kelvin scale.
A.) 95 degrees F (hot day)
95 = 1.8(C) + 32        K = C + 273
-32               -32         K = 35 + 273
-------------------      K = 308
63 = 1.8(C)
-------------------
C = 35

B.) 350 degrees F (oven temperature)
350 = 1.8(C) +32            K = C _273
-32                 -32            K = 176.6666666666667 + 273
-----------------------      K = about 450
318 = 1.8(C)
-----------------------
C = 176.6666666666667 (didn't round yet!)

C.) 5 degrees F (freezer temperature)
5 = 1.8(C) + 32      K = C +273
-32             -32       K = -15 + 273
------------------    K =  258
-27 = 1.8(C)
------------------
C = -15