120 Celsius is equal to 393.15 Kelvin.
The conversion from Celsius to Kelvin involves adding 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This shifts the scale from the freezing point of water at 0°C to absolute zero at 0 K, the lowest temperature possible.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K) is:
K = °C + 273.15
This formula works by shifting the Celsius scale so that zero Kelvin corresponds to -273.15°C, which is absolute zero, the coldest temperature possible. Celsius is based on the freezing and boiling points of water, while Kelvin is an absolute thermodynamic scale.
Example calculation for 120°C:
- Start with the Celsius temperature: 120°C
- Add 273.15 to it: 120 + 273.15
- Result: 393.15 K
Conversion Example
- Convert 25°C to Kelvin:
- Begin with 25°C
- Add 273.15: 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
- Convert -40°C to Kelvin:
- Start at -40°C
- Add 273.15: -40 + 273.15 = 233.15 K
- Convert 0°C to Kelvin:
- Take 0°C
- Add 273.15: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
- Convert 100°C to Kelvin:
- Start from 100°C
- Add 273.15: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K
- Convert 200°C to Kelvin:
- Begin with 200°C
- Add 273.15: 200 + 273.15 = 473.15 K
Conversion Chart
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| 95.0 | 368.15 |
| 100.0 | 373.15 |
| 105.0 | 378.15 |
| 110.0 | 383.15 |
| 115.0 | 388.15 |
| 120.0 | 393.15 |
| 125.0 | 398.15 |
| 130.0 | 403.15 |
| 135.0 | 408.15 |
| 140.0 | 413.15 |
| 145.0 | 418.15 |
The chart helps how to quickly find the Kelvin temperature by looking up the Celsius value and then seeing its equivalent in Kelvin. This is handy when you need fast conversions without calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the Kelvin equivalent of 120 degrees Celsius?
- How do you convert 120°C into Kelvin step by step?
- Is 120 Celsius hotter than 400 Kelvin?
- What temperature in Kelvin corresponds to 120 degrees Celsius?
- How much do you add to 120 Celsius to convert it to Kelvin?
- What is the formula used to convert 120°C to Kelvin?
- Can I convert 120 Celsius to Kelvin without a calculator?
Conversion Definitions
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale where water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. It is used globally for everyday temperature measurements and scientific purposes, based on the metric system.
Kelvin: Kelvin is the unit of temperature in the International System of Units, starting at absolute zero (0 K). It measures thermodynamic temperature and is mostly used in physics and engineering for precise temperature measurements without negative values.
Conversion FAQs
Why does the Kelvin scale start at 0 instead of a negative value?
The Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimal thermal motion. Unlike Celsius, Kelvin does not have negative values because it represents absolute energy levels, making it useful in scientific calculations.
Can I convert temperature from Kelvin back to Celsius?
Yes, converting from Kelvin to Celsius is done by subtracting 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature. For example, 393.15 K minus 273.15 equals 120°C. This reverses the addition used in the Celsius to Kelvin conversion.
Does converting Celsius to Kelvin affect the temperature difference between two values?
No, the difference between temperatures remains the same in both scales. Since Kelvin is shifted by a constant 273.15, subtracting one temperature from another produces identical differences whether measured in Celsius or Kelvin.
Why is the conversion formula always adding 273.15, and not rounded?
The value 273.15 is a precise offset between the Celsius and Kelvin scales, reflecting the exact difference between freezing point of water and absolute zero. Rounding it could lead to inaccuracies in scientific measurements.
Is Kelvin used outside of scientific fields?
Kelvin is primarily employed in science and engineering where absolute temperature measurements is needed. Everyday temperature reporting uses Celsius or Fahrenheit, but Kelvin provides a natural starting point for thermal energy calculations.