Kelvin scale (absolute scale) - definition
Kelvin scale (absolute scale) - definition
The Kelvin Scales (absolute scale) is an absolute temperature scale, based on absolute zero, which is the theoretical point at which all thermal mobility of molecules and atoms ceases. It is a fundamental reference system in thermodynamics and physics because its starting point, 0 K, corresponds to the minimum possible kinetic energy of molecules, making it a scale independent of the material properties of the reference substance.
The definition of the Kelvin Scales is based on the second principle of thermodynamics and is normalised with respect to the triple point and water, which is fixed at exactly 273.16 K. The unit of the Scales is the kelvin (K), which has the same magnitude as the degree Celsius, but unlike the Celsius scale and the Fahrenheit scale it does not contain negative values, allowing consistent handling of temperature in calculations related to [perfect gases](/ca/en/news/library-articles/page/68960 /), chemical reactions and cryogenic processes.
The Kelvin Scales are used in science and engineering, where the precise determination of temperature is crucial for the analysis of phenomena related to thermal conductivity, thermal radiation and the properties of materials under extreme conditions. In the theory of perfect-body radiation, the temperature on the Kelvin scale determines the wavelength of the maximum emission of electromagnetic radiation according to Wien's law and the total blackbody emission power based on the Stefan-Boltzmann law.
In thermal metrology and precision thermal measurement systems, the Kelvin Scales are used as a reference in the SI system, providing a uniform and internationally recognised basis for determining temperatures over a wide range from nanokelvin in Bose-Einstein condensate experiments to millions of kelvin in plasma physics and fusion research thermonuclear fusion.
In materials engineering and mechanics, kelvins are used to determine the effect of temperature on the thermal expansion, structural strength and electronic properties of Semiconductors, where accurate temperature determination on the absolute scale is essential for modelling heat transport processes and thermal effects in micro- and nanotechnology structures.
A change in the definition of the kelvin, based on fundamental physical constants, has introduced a link between the unit and the value of the Boltzmann constant, which provides independence from the material properties of the reference substance and increases the precision of thermometric measurements in scientific research and industrial applications.
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