Convert Celsius to kelvin

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper or browser document; an ordinary calculator is optional.
• Rule: Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. Formula: a+273.15. Variable key: a = temperature (°C)
• Distinct worked inputs and result: A distinct temperature 30°C gives 30+273.15=303.15 K.
• Assessment case 1: Supplied case 1: temperature (°C)=0, using the explicitly named quantities. Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. What result follows?
• Assessment case 2: Supplied case 2: temperature (°C)=10, using the explicitly named quantities. Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. What result follows?
• Assessment case 3: Supplied case 3: temperature (°C)=20, using the explicitly named quantities. Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. What result follows?
• Assessment case 4: Supplied case 4: temperature (°C)=25, using the explicitly named quantities. Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. What result follows?
• Assessment case 5: Supplied case 5: temperature (°C)=40, using the explicitly named quantities. Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. What result follows?
• Assessment case 6: Supplied case 6: temperature (°C)=60, using the explicitly named quantities. Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. What result follows?

Learn the idea

Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale. A kelvin and Celsius degree have equal interval size but different zero points. Gas-law ratios require absolute temperature, not Celsius readings directly.

Kelvin temperature equals Celsius temperature plus 273.15. The formula in the supplied model is a+273.15. Variable key: a = temperature (°C). Use the 273.15 offset. Kelvin is written without a degree sign.

A distinct temperature 30°C gives 30+273.15=303.15 K. Absolute-temperature ratios differ from Celsius ratios. Track the quantity and unit before calculating. Explain the meaning of a positive, negative or fractional result when relevant. A numerical answer supports the stated model calculation; broader claims require the additional measurements and assumptions described here.

1. Name the measured quantities and their units before substituting values.
2. Write the stated rule and use the variable key to match each symbol to its explicitly named quantity.
3. Calculate each supplied case separately, keeping intermediate arithmetic and the result unit.
4. Explain the result in context and identify the assumption that would invalidate direct use of the rule.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Changed-input task: use the same stated model with temperature (°C)=1. Expected result: 274.15 K. Explain what changes and keep this assumption: Absolute-temperature ratios differ from Celsius ratios.

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