Definition

1. Noun:
   • A temperature scale that defines absolute zero as 0 degrees: The absolute scale is a thermodynamic temperature scale where the zero point, called absolute zero, is the theoretical point at which particles have minimal thermal motion. On this scale, water freezes at 273.16 degrees and boils at 373.16 degrees under standard conditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scientific calculations often require temperatures to be expressed on the absolute scale.
  • The Kelvin scale is the primary absolute scale used in the International System of Units (SI).
  • Converting from Celsius to the absolute scale involves adding 273.15.

Advanced Usage

• "On an absolute scale": This phrase is used to describe measurements or comparisons relative to a fundamental, non-arbitrary zero point.
  • Entropy is measured on an absolute scale, with zero entropy corresponding to a perfectly ordered crystal at absolute zero.

Variants and Related Words

• Kelvin scale (n): The specific name for the SI unit of thermodynamic temperature, which is an absolute scale. (Symbol: K)
  • Zero kelvin (0 K) is defined as absolute zero on the Kelvin scale.
• Rankine scale (n): An absolute temperature scale where degrees are equivalent to degrees Fahrenheit, with absolute zero at 0 °R.
  • The Rankine scale is an absolute scale still used in some engineering fields in the United States.

Synonyms

• Thermodynamic temperature scale: A more technical term for a temperature scale based on the laws of thermodynamics, of which the absolute scale is the prime example.

Related Concepts

• Absolute zero (n): The theoretical lowest possible temperature, defined as 0 on any absolute scale.
  • Absolute zero is the foundation of the absolute scale.
• Celsius scale (n): A relative temperature scale where 0 is the freezing point of water and 100 is the boiling point. It is not an absolute scale.
  • Unlike the Celsius scale, the absolute scale has its zero point at absolute zero.

Noun

1. a temperature scale that defines absolute zero as 0 degrees; water freezes at 273.16 degrees and boils at 373.16 degrees