9702 · 14.2
Common exam mistakes on 9702 Temperature scales. Learn what loses marks, then practise the topic with Examiner’s Ink.
Always double-check if your calculations require temperature in Kelvin. Most thermal physics formulas (e.g., ideal gas law, specific heat capacity) rely on absolute temperatures. A common mistake is using Celsius values directly, leading to incorrect answers.
It's called absolute because its zero point (0 K) represents the lowest possible energy state for matter, meaning there are no negative temperatures, and its readings are independent of any specific substance's properties.
No, the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is the theoretical minimum temperature. Therefore, there are no negative temperatures on the Kelvin scale.
Common properties include the change in electrical resistance of a material, the expansion of a liquid (like mercury or alcohol), the pressure change of a gas, or the voltage generated in a thermocouple.