Convert Newton to Kelvin easily.

Ever stumbled upon an old scientific text mentioning temperatures in "degrees Newton" and wondered how that translates to modern units? You’re not alone. While the Newton scale isn’t part of daily conversations anymore, it’s a fascinating relic of early thermometry. This article breaks down the conversion from Newton to Kelvin, blending historical tidbits with practical math. Whether you’re a history buff or a student tackling unit conversions, you’ll find this guide useful.

Unit definitions

What is a Newton (°N)?

The Newton temperature scale, proposed by Sir Isaac Newton around 1700, was one of the first attempts to standardize temperature measurement. Newton used linseed oil’s expansion properties to create his scale, setting 0°N as the freezing point of water and 33°N as its boiling point. Symbol: °N. Though obsolete now, it reflects the ingenuity of early scientific exploration.

What is a Kelvin (K)?

Kelvin is the SI base unit for temperature, essential in scientific research. Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, it starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C), the theoretical coldest possible temperature. Symbol: K. It’s used in physics, chemistry, and engineering because it simplifies calculations involving thermal energy.

Conversion formula

To convert Newton to Kelvin:
K = (°N × 100/33) + 273.15

For example, to convert 12°N to Kelvin:

1. Multiply 12 by 100/33 ≈ 36.36
2. Add 273.15: 36.36 + 273.15 ≈ 309.51 K

Example calculations

Example 1:
Convert 0°N (water’s freezing point) to Kelvin:
0 × 100/33 = 0
0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K

Example 2:
Convert 33°N (water’s boiling point on Newton’s scale) to Kelvin:
33 × 100/33 = 100
100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K

Conversion tables

Newton to Kelvin

Kelvin to Newton

Historical background

Isaac Newton’s foray into temperature measurement began in teh early 18th century, predating Celsius and Fahrenheit. His scale, based on natural phenomena like freezing water, laid groundwork for future systems. The Kelvin scale emerged much later, in 1848, when Lord Kelvin sought an absolute thermodynamic scale. Today, Kelvin’s dominance in science contrasts sharply with Newton’s obscurity, yet both highlight humanity’s quest to quantify heat.

Interesting facts

1. Newton’s Thermometer: Newton used linseed oil instead of mercury, which wasn’t widely adopted until later.
2. Absolute Zero: 0 K (-273.15°C) is unattainable in practice, but scientists have gotten within billionths of a Kelvin.
3. No Degrees: Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, we say “Kelvin” without “degrees” because it’s an absolute scale.
4. Cross-Discipline Legacy: Newton’s work influenced thermometry and physics, while Kelvin’s work ties to thermodynamics.
5. Space Applications: Kelvin is used in astrophysics to measure cosmic temperatures, from stars to background radiation.

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