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Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of the atoms, ions, and/or molecules of a substance. The Kelvin and Rankine temperature scales are absolute temperature scales. At0° Kelvin, we say that the atoms, ions, and/or molecules of a substance have ZERO kinetic energy. Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which entropy reaches its minimum value. The laws of thermodynamics state that absolute zero cannot be reached using only thermodynamic means. A system at absolute zero still possesses quantum mechanical zero-point energy, the energy of its ground state. The kinetic energy of the ground state cannot be removed. However, in the classical interpretation it is zero and the thermal energy of matter vanishes. When we do gas law problems, we need a temperature scale that compares the actual kinetic energy of the gas particles. The kinetic energy of1 liter of O2 at° C does not equal2 time the kinetic energy of1 liter of O2 at° C. ° C = =° K ° C = =° K / =1. The kinetic energy of1 liter of O2 at° C =1. * the kinetic energy of1 liter of O2 at° C. The Celsius temperature scale is based on the freezing and boiling point of water, because water is the most common solvent!! 0° C =° K ° C =° K / =1. /0 = undefined The situation above is another reason why relative temperature scale is not used in science classes.
An absolute scale is a system of measurement that begins at a minimum, or zero point, and progresses in only one direction and A temperature scale in which measurements are amounts that are more orless than a reference amount. In the Celsius scale, for example, thereference amount is set as the freezing point of water, or zero.
An absolute scale is a system of measurement that begins at a minimum, or zero point, and progresses in only one direction
