LESSON
5
Absolute Zero
Name
Date
Kelvin Scale
Period
Ac ti v it y
Purpose
To introduce the Kelvin temperature scale and a model describing the motion
of gas particles.
Part 1: The Kelvin Scale
TCM_03_029
1. The volume of a sample of gas was measured at several temperatures. The data are
given in the table. Plot the data points on the graph.
Temperature
Volume
10.0 °C
50 mL
50.0 °C
57 mL
100.0 °C
66 mL
Volume Versus Temperature in °C
100
Volume (mL)
80
60
40
20
–300
-250
-200
-150
-100
-50
Temperature (°C)
0
50
100
2. Draw the best straight line you can through the points on the graph.
3. Use the graph to find the temperature if the volume of this gas decreases to zero.
4. Do you think the temperature can keep dropping
indefinitely? Explain
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your reasoning.
5. Compare the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin thermometers on the next page. Fill in
the temperatures in Kelvin that correspond to the temperatures on the Fahrenheit and
Celsius thermometers.
6. Zero Kelvin (0 K) is also called absolute zero. What is absolute zero equal to in
degrees Celsius? in degrees Fahrenheit?
7. Mark where you would put 0 °F and 0 K on the thermometers.
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© 2012 W. H. Freeman and Company/BFW
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Boiling point H2O
212 ºF
100 ºC
Body temp
98.6 ºF
37 ºC
Room temp
68 ºF
20 ºC
50 ºF
10 ºC
32 ºF
0 ºC
Freezing point �102 ºF
mercury (Hg)
�39 ºC
Freezing point H2O
ºF
ºC
K
Fahrenheit
scale
Celsius
scale
Kelvin
scale
Part 2: Computer Activity
1. Observe the gas particles computer simulation. List at least four features of the model.
Example: The particles are in constant motion.
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2. What causes the gas particles to change direction in the model?
3. What do you notice about the speeds of the particles in the model?
4. What do you observe when the temperature changes in the model?
5. Making Sense How can you use the motions of the gas particles to explain why
gases expand on heating and contract on cooling?
6. If You Finish Early Which is denser, air at 10 °C or air at 4 °C? Explain your
reasoning.
216 Unit 3 Weather
Lesson 5 • Worksheet
LBCTCM_03_BFW1st12.indd 216
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© 2012 W. H. Freeman and Company/BFW
2/25/12 1:14:35 PM
Absolute Zero
Volume of a Gas Versus Celsius Temperature
100
Volume (mL)
80
60
40
20
–300
-250
-200
-150
-100
-50
Temperature (°C)
0
50
100
Volume of a Gas Versus Kelvin Temperature
100
Volume (mL)
80
60
40
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20
0
0 23
73
123
173
223
Temperature (K)
273
323
373
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Living By Chemistry Teaching and Classroom Resources
© 2012 W. H. Freeman and Company/BFW
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