Kelvin

The kelvin (symbol: K) is the SI unit of temperature, and is one of the seven SI base units. It is defined as the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.

Related Topics:
SI - Unit - Temperature - SI base unit - Thermodynamic temperature - Triple point - Water

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A temperature given in kelvins, without further qualification, is measured with respect to absolute zero, where molecular motion stops. It is also common to give a temperature relative to the reference temperature of 273.15 K, approximately the melting point of water under ordinary conditions; this convention is the Celsius temperature scale.

Related Topics:
Absolute zero - Melting point - Celsius

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The kelvin is named after the British physicist and engineer William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin; his barony was in turn named after the River Kelvin, which runs through the grounds of the University of Glasgow.

Related Topics:
William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin - Barony - River Kelvin - University of Glasgow

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