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Foundations of Physics

Kelvin

The SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature, defined by fixing the Boltzmann constant to k = 1.380649 × 10⁻²³ J/K.

Governing formula K = °C + 273.15
SI unit K

In depth

The Kelvin scale is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale where 0 K is absolute zero. Temperature intervals in Kelvin have the exact same magnitude as degrees Celsius (1 K = 1 °C).

Examples in the real world

Water freezes at 273.15 K (0°C) and boils at 373.15 K (100°C) under standard atmospheric pressure.