How are the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales related mathematically?

The Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales are related through a direct linear transformation. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale where 0 K corresponds to absolute zero, the theoretical point at which all thermal motion stops.

To convert a temperature from Celsius (θ) to Kelvin (T), you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This means that the relationship can be expressed mathematically as T = θ + 273.15. Rearranging this expression to show the relationship in terms of fractions gives T/K = θ/°C + 273.15.

This relationship is critical in thermodynamics since many physical processes depend on absolute temperature. The Kelvin scale is used in calculations involving gas laws, thermodynamic principles, and statistical mechanics, where absolute temperature provides a fundamental basis for these observations and calculations.