Converting Celsius to Kelvin Easy but slightly confusing

AI Thread Summary
To convert Celsius to Kelvin for temperature differences, the base value of 273 does not affect the subtraction. The correct approach is to simply subtract the Celsius values directly, as the size of the degree is the same in both scales. Therefore, calculating the difference as 34.73C - 63C results in -28.27C, which can then be interpreted in Kelvin terms without needing to add 273. The negative result indicates a decrease in temperature, which can be expressed as a positive value when discussing temperature change. Understanding that the difference in temperature remains consistent across both scales simplifies the conversion process.
Spartan Erik
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Homework Statement



I'm doing calorimetry, and I have 34.73C and 63C. I need to subtract 63 from 34.73, and get the answer in Kelvin.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I know you add 273 to Celsius values to get Kelvin, but I am not sure which of these methods is correct:

1. (34.73C+273) - (63C+273) = -28.27K
2. 34.73C-63C = -28.27C. Then, -28.27C + 273 = 244.73K

Which one is the correct method? The first one seems unlikely just because the Kelvin's are essentially canceled out in the equation..
 
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The first one. You are subtracting one temperature from another so the "base"- that is what temperature corresponds to 0- is irrelevant. You could as easily have just said that 34.73- 63= -28.27 degrees. Since 1 degree Celcius is the same "size" as 1 degree Kelvin, the difference is the same in both systems.
 
Ah I just realized that I was calculating the DECREASE in temperature of hot water, so a negative decrease is a positive value. Thanks!
 
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