Question

The absolute temperature (Kelvin scale) T is related to the temperature t_c on the Celsius scale by

t_c = T – 273.15

Why do we have 273.15 in this relation, and not 273.16?

Answer 1

The temperature 273.16 K is the triple point of water. It is not the melting point of ice. The temperature 0°C on Celsius scale is the melting point of ice. Its corresponding value on Kelvin scale is 273.15 K.

Hence, absolute temperature (Kelvin scale) T, is related to temperature t_c, on Celsius scale as:

t_c = T – 273.15