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Question

If x is the temperature of a system in Kelvin and y is the temperature of the system in °C, then the correct relation between them is

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

x = 273 + y

Understanding the Relationship Between Kelvin and Celsius Scales

Temperature can be measured using different scales, such as Celsius (°C), Kelvin (K), and Fahrenheit (°F). The question asks for the correct relationship between the temperature of a system in Kelvin, denoted by x, and the temperature in Celsius, denoted by y.

Converting Temperature from Celsius to Kelvin

The Kelvin scale is an absolute thermodynamic scale, meaning its zero point is absolute zero, the theoretical point at which matter has minimal thermal motion. The Celsius scale is a relative scale, where 0°C is the freezing point of water and 100°C is the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure.

The size of one degree Celsius is the same as the size of one Kelvin. The only difference is the zero point. The zero point of the Kelvin scale (absolute zero) is approximately -273.15 °C.

To convert a temperature from Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K), we add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. In many basic calculations, the value 273 is used instead of 273.15 for simplicity.

The general formula for converting Celsius temperature (\(T_C\)) to Kelvin temperature (\(T_K\)) is:

\(T_K = T_C + 273.15\)

Or, using the simplified value:

\(T_K \approx T_C + 273\)

Applying the Formula with Given Variables

In this question:

  • x represents the temperature in Kelvin (K), so \(T_K = x\).
  • y represents the temperature in Celsius (°C), so \(T_C = y\).

Substituting these variables into the simplified conversion formula:

\(x = y + 273\)

This can also be written as:

\(x = 273 + y\)

Analyzing the Given Options

Let's look at the provided options and compare them with our derived relation:

  • Option 1: \(x = 273 - y\). This formula would imply that as Celsius temperature increases, Kelvin temperature decreases, which is incorrect.
  • Option 2: \(x = 273 + y\). This formula matches our derived relation. It correctly shows that the Kelvin temperature is obtained by adding approximately 273 to the Celsius temperature.
  • Option 3: \(x = 173 + y\). This formula uses an incorrect constant (173 instead of 273).
  • Option 4: \(x = 173 - y\). This formula uses an incorrect constant and an incorrect operation.

Based on the standard temperature conversion formula between Celsius and Kelvin, the correct relation is \(x = 273 + y\).

Revision Table: Temperature Scales

Scale Symbol Water Freezing Point (Standard Pressure) Water Boiling Point (Standard Pressure) Absolute Zero
Celsius °C 0 °C 100 °C -273.15 °C
Kelvin K 273.15 K 373.15 K 0 K

Additional Information on Temperature Conversion

The Kelvin scale is the base unit of thermodynamic temperature in the International System of Units (SI). It is widely used in science and engineering. The value 273.15 is derived from the definition of the Kelvin scale, which is based on the triple point of water (0.01 °C or 273.16 K).

While Celsius and Kelvin have a simple additive relationship, converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit, or Kelvin and Fahrenheit, involves a multiplicative factor in addition to an additive constant.

  • Celsius to Fahrenheit: \(^{\circ}\text{F} = (^{\circ}\text{C} \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32\)
  • Fahrenheit to Celsius: \(^{\circ}\text{C} = (^{\circ}\text{F} - 32) \times \frac{5}{9}\)
  • Kelvin to Fahrenheit: \(^{\circ}\text{F} = (\text{K} \times \frac{9}{5}) - 459.67\)

Understanding these conversions is crucial in various physics and chemistry problems.

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Important Questions from Temperature and heat

  1. At which temperature Celsius and Fahrenheit are equal?

  2. For carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), which is commonly used in industrial processes as a supercritical fluid, what is its critical temperature? Above this temperature, $CO_2$ cannot be liquefied regardless of how much pressure is applied, existing only as a supercritical fluid.
  3. The temperature of a chemical reaction is carefully monitored. If the reaction causes a temperature increase of $45 \text{ }^\circ F$, what is this temperature increase in Kelvin?

  4. What will be the default temperature setting of room ACs, according to the new energy standards by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)?

  5. The temperature scale which is independent of the properties of any substance is the

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