Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Lord Kelvin

Black and white Photograph of William Thomson, Lord Kelvin.

0K or -273.15°C is the theoretical lower limit of temperature.

Absolute zero is the name given to this point. It is the temperature at which no more heat can be removed from a substance.

William Thomson, Lord Kelvin (1824 – 1907) developed the concept of ‘absolute zero’ and proposed a temperature scale starting at this point. This scale, named in his honour is the Kelvin temperature scale.

Image: Public Domain

Glossary

Rights: Public Domain
Published: 2 February 2018Size: 211.77 KB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources

Interactive

Temperature – the hot and the cold

Temperatures from absolute zero to 2000°C play a critical part in the world of ceramics. From the very low needed ...

Read more
Heat energy

Article

Heat energy

Most of us use the word ‘heat’ to mean something that feels warm, but science defines heat as the flow ...

Read more
Kelvin – The ThermoKennel

Article

Kelvin – The ThermoKennel

It is said that dogs are man’s best friend, and here in New Zealand, you could also say dogs are ...

Read more
Temperature – the highs and lows

Article

Temperature – the highs and lows

Temperature is a measure of the average energy of the particles that make up a substance. It relates to the ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato