Kelvin to Rankine Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert kelvins to degrees Rankine with our free online temperature converter.
Kelvin to Rankine Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kelvin).
- The converted value in Rankine will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Temperature category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Kelvin to Rankine
Temperature conversions like Kelvin to Rankine use specific non-linear formulas.
Formula:
°R = K × 9/5Example Calculation:
Convert 10K: 10 × 9/5 = 18.00°R
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
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What is a Kelvin and a Rankine?
Kelvin (symbol: K) is the base unit of thermodynamic temperature in the International System of Units (SI). It is an absolute temperature scale, meaning 0 K represents absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature where all thermal motion ceases. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, Kelvin is not expressed in degrees.
The Rankine scale (°R or °Ra) is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale named after the Scottish engineer and physicist William John Macquorn Rankine. Similar to the Kelvin scale, its zero point is absolute zero, but the degree size is the same as that of the Fahrenheit scale.
Note: The Kelvin is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Rankine belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Kelvin and Rankine
The Kelvin scale was proposed by William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, in 1848. He recognized the need for an absolute thermodynamic scale based on the principles of thermodynamics, independent of the properties of any specific substance. Absolute zero (0 K) was determined by extrapolating the behavior of ideal gases. The size of one kelvin unit is defined as the same magnitude as one degree Celsius (1 K = 1°C in terms of temperature difference).
The scale was proposed by William Rankine in 1859, shortly after the Kelvin scale was developed. It was created to provide an absolute temperature scale that directly corresponded with the Fahrenheit degrees used widely in engineering at the time.
Common Uses for kelvins and degrees Rankine
Explore the typical applications for both Kelvin (imperial/US) and Rankine (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for kelvins
- Scientific Research: Scientific research, particularly in physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics.
- Cryogenics: Measurement of very low temperatures (cryogenics).
- Lighting & Photography: Color temperature measurement in lighting and photography.
- Astronomy: Astronomy and astrophysics for measuring celestial body temperatures.
- SI Standard: Official SI unit for temperature in scientific contexts.
Common Uses for degrees Rankine
- Engineering (Thermodynamics): Used in some engineering fields, particularly in the United States, where calculations often involve Fahrenheit. It simplifies thermodynamic calculations (like the ideal gas law) when using Imperial units.
- Historical Context: Found in older engineering texts and data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Kelvin (K)
Why doesn't Kelvin use degrees?
Kelvin represents an absolute scale starting from zero. The term 'degree' is typically associated with scales that have arbitrary reference points (like the freezing point of water). Since Kelvin starts at the fundamental limit of temperature, the unit itself is simply 'kelvin'.
What is absolute zero?
Absolute zero (0 K, or -273.15 °C, or -459.67 °F) is the lowest theoretical temperature. At this point, particles have minimal vibrational motion, retaining only quantum mechanical zero-point energy.
How does Kelvin relate to Celsius?
The conversion is straightforward because the size of the units is the same: K = °C + 273.15. To convert Kelvin to Celsius: °C = K - 273.15. A change of 1 K is identical to a change of 1°C.
About Rankine (°R)
What is absolute zero on the Rankine scale?
Absolute zero is 0 °R, which is equivalent to -459.67 °F or -273.15 °C.
How does Rankine relate to Fahrenheit?
A change of 1 °R is equal to a change of 1 °F. The formula is °R = °F + 459.67.
How does Rankine relate to Kelvin?
The Rankine scale uses Fahrenheit degrees, while Kelvin uses Celsius degrees. Both start at absolute zero. The formula is °R = K × 9/5.