General Contractor Practice Exam

What is the Kelvin scale used to measure?

1. Pressure

2. Temperature

3. Energy

4. Volume

The correct answer is: Temperature

The Kelvin scale is specifically designed to measure temperature. It is an absolute temperature scale where 0 Kelvin (0 K) is the point at which all thermal motion ceases, effectively representing absolute zero. This scale is particularly important in scientific contexts because it provides a consistent and reliable means of measuring temperature without the negative values seen in Celsius or Fahrenheit. In various scientific disciplines, particularly in physics and engineering, the Kelvin scale is used because it helps simplify many formulas and calculations, especially those involving gas laws and thermodynamics. When discussing energy and temperature, it's vital to note that temperature on the Kelvin scale is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Thus, when temperature increases, the kinetic energy of those particles also increases, providing a clear link between temperature and energy. The other options like pressure, energy, and volume are measured using different units or scales, such as pascals for pressure and joules for energy, which further delineate the specific purpose of the Kelvin scale strictly for temperature measurement.