Is 1C really not equal to 1K? Investigating the Differences

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between Celsius (C) and Kelvin (K) temperature scales, specifically whether a change of 1C is equivalent to a change of 1K. Participants confirm that while 1C equals 1K in terms of temperature increments, the scales are defined differently. The Celsius scale is based on the melting and boiling points of water, while the Kelvin scale is defined by absolute zero and the triple point of water. Therefore, while the increments are the same, the absolute values differ, leading to the conclusion that 1C is not equal to 1K in terms of absolute temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of temperature scales, specifically Celsius and Kelvin.
  • Knowledge of absolute zero and the triple point of water.
  • Familiarity with the definitions and historical context of temperature measurement.
  • Basic mathematical skills for temperature conversion.
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  • Research the historical definitions of Celsius and Kelvin scales.
  • Learn about the concept of absolute zero in thermodynamics.
  • Explore temperature conversion formulas between Celsius and Kelvin.
  • Investigate the implications of temperature scale differences in scientific measurements.
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Students in physics or chemistry, educators teaching thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the principles of temperature measurement and conversion.

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Homework Statement



All we know think that 1C = 1K as difference. But our instructor said that they were not equal each other and wanted from us that we would prove this as homework. How can we prove that they were not equal each other?


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The Attempt at a Solution


 
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dhar666 said:

Homework Statement



All we know think that 1C = 1K as difference. But our instructor said that they were not equal each other and wanted from us that we would prove this as homework. How can we prove that they were not equal each other?

K being Kelvin? And I don't exactly understand your question, do you need to prove that 1C is not equal to 1Kelvin? Because its not. 1C = 274.15Kelvin
 
Last edited:
well 1 degree Celsius is equal to 274 Kelvin. the values of each degree are the same though, so I'm not sure what he means by prove it. perhaps you could list the temperature of absolute zero in kelvin and Celsius, then do the same for the freezing and boiling points of water...
 
Numzie said:
1C = 273.15Kelvin

thats the measure for 0 Celsius in Kelvin
 
sadakaa said:
thats the measure for 0 Celsius in Kelvin

Thats true, my bad.
 
Sorry for misunderstanding. Instructor wrote on the blackboard as this:

Is 1K (Kelvin) difference equal or not equal to 1C (celsius) difference?

Everybody said that yes they are equal to each other but our instructor said that no they are not equal to each other and wanted from us to prove this as homework.

I have a MSc degree and attending PHd. classes, this is the first time i have ever heard about this.
 
I could only imagine your instructor was referring to how celsius and Kelvin scales were defined. The Kelvin scale was defined by absolute zero and the triple point of water. The celsius scale was defined by the melting point of ice and the boiling point of water. Many years ago they changed the definition of the celsius scale so that it too was defined by the absolute zero and the triple point of water. That means that the increments of 1K and 1 celsius are effectively defined to be the same.
 
Thanks for your reply. Maybe it can be related with whether it is celsius or centigrade but it sounds strange when it is heard as they are not equal each other.

Is there anyone who have strange or different opinion?

Or, i mean, what will I write in my homework :)
 
read Kurdt's post (last sentence if anything)
 

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