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Kilvin's Miracle: Why is this unit so important to science?
Temperature is a physical quantity that quantifies heat and cold, and is used to describe the thermal motion energy of matter. Temperature is usually measured using a thermometer. This unit actually reflects the average kinetic energy generated by the vibration and collision of atoms that make up a substance. Temperature is expressed in three main scales across different applications and scientific fields: Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kilvin (K). Among them, the kielvin is the most commonly used unit in scientific purposes.
The kielvin is defined as one of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI), and its ingenious design makes it indispensable in scientific research.
Kilvin's zero, or absolute zero, marks the lowest point in the thermodynamic thermometer, which is approximately −273.15 °C. At this extreme temperature, the macroscopic thermal energy of matter no longer exists, but according to quantum mechanics, matter still possesses zero-point energy. This is reflected in the third law of thermodynamics, which tells us that even if we get close to absolute zero, we can never quite reach it. Just imagine that if an object reached this temperature, it would be completely impossible to extract heat energy from it.
The influence of temperature
Changes in temperature have an impact on a variety of physical processes, including but not limited to:
- Physical properties of matter: such as phase, density, solubility, vapor pressure, and thermal conductivity.
- The rate and extent of a chemical reaction.
- The amount and properties of thermal radiation emitted from the surface of an object.
- The effects of air temperature on all living organisms.
- The speed of sound in a gas is proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature.
Classification of temperature scales
The definition of a temperature scale requires two parameters: the chosen zero point and the magnitude of the temperature increment. The most common Celsius scale defines the freezing point of water as 0 °C and the boiling point as 100 °C. The Fahrenheit scale is commonly used in the United States, with water freezing at 32 °F and boiling at 212 °F. Meanwhile, the Kilvin scale is a more important scale in the scientific community.
The Kilvin scale is an absolute scale with its zero point at absolute zero. Therefore, no matter what kind of substance it is, its thermal energy is a positive value relative to absolute zero.
Absolute Zero and Absolute Scale
The significance of absolute zero is that it marks the complete cessation of thermal motion in matter. However, this does not mean that there is no energy in matter, as quantum effects still exist. The Kilvin scale is thus called an absolute scale, whose definition does not depend on a specific measurement substance or device. Kilvin further redefined it through the Boltzmann constant, which enabled it to be well reflected in macroscopic thermodynamics.
Rewriting the Kilvin Scale
With the advancement of science and technology, since May 2019, Kirvin's definition has no longer relied on traditional thermodynamics, but has turned to statistical mechanics. On this basis, the way of measuring Kirvin becomes more precise and can better explain the transport properties of microscopic particles. This change has not only improved the accuracy of basic science, but also played a key role in modern technologies such as quantum computing and nanotechnology.
Explore the application of Kielvin in science
The application of Kilvin in different scientific fields is extensive and far-reaching. From studying thermodynamics and gas dynamics in physics to measuring reaction rates in chemical reactions, the kielvin is an essential unit for obtaining accurate scientific data. In addition, the Kielvin is an important criterion for evaluating performance in materials science testing and engineering applications.
Kilvin's rewriting made many previously difficult experiments and measurements feasible, realizing their potential in both basic and applied science.
As technology develops, how will Kirwin continue to play a role in more emerging technologies?
