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0 kelvin is equal to -273.15 degrees Celsius.
This is because the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. When converting from Kelvin to Celsius, you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value to find the Celsius equivalent.
Kelvin to Celsius Conversion
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin to celsius subtracts 273.15 from the kelvin value (C = K – 273.15). This works because 0 kelvin is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, and Celsius scale is offset by 273.15 degrees from Kelvin. For example, 300 K minus 273.15 results in 26.85°C, showing the temperature in Celsius.
Conversion Example
- Convert 50 K:
- Start with 50 Kelvin.
- Subtract 273.15 from 50.
- 50 – 273.15 = -223.15°C.
- Result is -223.15°C, which is extremely cold.
- Convert 273 K:
- Start with 273 Kelvin.
- Subtract 273.15 from 273.
- 273 – 273.15 = -0.15°C.
- Result is approximately -0.15°C, nearly freezing point.
- Convert 373 K:
- Start with 373 Kelvin.
- Subtract 273.15 from 373.
- 373 – 273.15 = 99.85°C.
- This is close to boiling point of water at sea level.
- Convert 0 K:
- Start with 0 Kelvin, absolute zero.
- Subtract 273.15 from 0.
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15°C.
- This is the lowest temperature possible in physics.
Conversion Chart
This table shows Kelvin values from -25.0 to 25.0 converted into Celsius. Read across the rows to find the Celsius equivalent for each Kelvin temperature. Use it to quickly estimate temperatures without calculations.
Kelvin | Celsius |
---|---|
-25.0 | -298.15 |
-20.0 | -293.15 |
-15.0 | -288.15 |
-10.0 | -283.15 |
-5.0 | -278.15 |
0.0 | -273.15 |
5.0 | -268.15 |
10.0 | -263.15 |
15.0 | -258.15 |
20.0 | -253.15 |
25.0 | -248.15 |
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the Celsius equivalent of 0 Kelvin?
- How do I convert 100 Kelvin to Celsius?
- What temperature in Celsius corresponds to 273 Kelvin?
- Is 0 Kelvin the same as -273.15°C?
- How can I convert negative Kelvin temperatures to Celsius?
- What is the Celsius value for negative Kelvin degrees?
- Can Kelvin temperatures be negative in Celsius units?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin is a temperature scale starting at absolute zero, where no thermal energy exists, measured in Kelvin units. It has no degree symbol, and each Kelvin equals one Celsius degree, serving as the standard in scientific measurements.
Celsius is a scale for measuring temperature based on water’s freezing point at 0°C and boiling point at 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure. It is used worldwide and is part of the metric system, with each degree representing 1/100 of the difference between these points.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 0 Kelvin considered absolute zero?
Because at 0 Kelvin, particles reach their lowest possible energy state, with no thermal motion. It’s the theoretical point where all heat energy ceases, defining the lower limit of the thermodynamic temperature scale.
Can temperatures below 0 Celsius occur in Kelvin?
No, Kelvin temperatures cannot be below 0 because that is absolute zero. Celsius temperatures can be negative, but Kelvin values always stay at or above zero, reflecting the absence of thermal energy at the lowest point.
How accurate is the conversion from Kelvin to Celsius?
The conversion formula (K – 273.15) is precise to within a fraction of a degree, sufficient for scientific and everyday purposes. Minor variations exist in measurements, but the formula itself is exact for standard temperature conversions.
What is the significance of absolute zero in physics?
Absolute zero represents the temperature where particles have minimal vibrational energy, and thermal motion stops. It’s fundamental in thermodynamics, defining the lower boundary of temperature scales and behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures.
Are there any practical uses of Kelvin temperatures below zero?
No, Kelvin temperatures below zero are physically impossible because they imply negative thermal energy. The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, and all real temperatures are at or above this point.