Rømer to Kelvin Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert degrees Rømer to kelvins with our free online temperature converter.
Rømer to Kelvin Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Rømer).
- The converted value in Kelvin 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 Rømer to Kelvin
Temperature conversions like Rømer to Kelvin use specific non-linear formulas.
Formula:
First convert °Rø to °C: °C = (°Rø - 7.5) × 40/21. Then convert °C to K: K = °C + 273.15Example Calculation:
Convert 10°Rø:
1. °C = (10 - 7.5) × 40/21 = 4.76°C
2. K = 4.76 + 273.15 = 277.91K
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.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Rømer and a Kelvin?
The Rømer scale (°Rø) is a historical temperature scale where the freezing point of water is set at 7.5 degrees and the boiling point at 60 degrees.
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.
Note: The Rømer is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Kelvin belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Rømer and Kelvin
Invented by the Danish astronomer Ole Christensen Rømer in 1701. Rømer based his scale on two points: the freezing point of brine (0 °Rø) and the boiling point of water (60 °Rø). He later observed pure water froze at 7.5 °Rø. Daniel Fahrenheit visited Rømer and reportedly based his own scale on Rømer's work, multiplying the number of degrees by four.
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).
Common Uses for degrees Rømer and kelvins
Explore the typical applications for both Rømer (imperial/US) and Kelvin (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for degrees Rømer
- Historical Significance: Primarily of historical interest as a precursor to the Fahrenheit scale.
- Not used in modern scientific or general applications.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Rømer (°Rø)
What are the freezing and boiling points of water in Rømer?
Water freezes at 7.5 °Rø and boils at 60 °Rø.
How did Rømer influence Fahrenheit?
Fahrenheit adopted Rømer's use of two reference points and expanded the scale, likely multiplying Rømer's degrees by 4 to avoid fractions and negative numbers for everyday temperatures.
How does Rømer relate to Celsius?
The relationship is °Rø = °C × 21/40 + 7.5.
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.