Earth's Climate: Temperature Scales and Absolute Zero

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the temperature scales (Celsius, Kelvin, Fahrenheit) and key temperature constants discussed in the Global Climate Change lecture.

Celsius

A metric temperature scale where $100^{\circ}C$ is the boiling point of water and $0^{\circ}C$ is the freezing point of water; it is used more commonly worldwide than Fahrenheit.

Kelvin Scale

A scale generally used for scientific calculations, divided into units (not degrees) with the lowest point being absolute zero ($0\,K$).

Absolute zero

The coldest temperature possible at which the motions of atomic particles effectively cease; it is equivalent to $0\,K$, $-273^{\circ}C$, and $-460^{\circ}F$.

Fahrenheit

A temperature scale commonly used in the U.S. but not generally employed by scientists, where the freezing point of water is $32^{\circ}F$.

Sun's surface temperature

The temperature at the surface of the Sun, measured as $9981^{\circ}F$, $5733\,K$, and $5500^{\circ}C$.

Freezing point of water

A temperature threshold defined as $0^{\circ}C$, $32^{\circ}F$, and approximately $273\,K$.

Boiling point of water

A temperature threshold defined as $100^{\circ}C$ on the metric Celsius scale.