Convert the following temperatures to kelvin: (a) \(113^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), the melting point of sulfur, (b) \(37^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), the normal body temperature, (c) \(357^{\circ} \mathrm{C},\) the boiling point of mercury.

Understanding the Celsius to Kelvin formula is essential for accurately measuring temperatures in science. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale used extensively in the physical sciences. To convert a temperature from Celsius to Kelvin, you simply add 273.15 to the Celsius value. The formula is expressed as:
\[ K = ^{\circ}C + 273.15 \]
For example, if you have a temperature of 25°C, converting it to Kelvin would be:
\[ K = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 \]
This conversion is essential because Kelvin is a scale that starts at absolute zero, the point where particles theoretically stop moving. Unlike Celsius, which has negative values, Kelvin values are always positive. This characteristic makes the Kelvin scale thermodynamic temperature's true zero point, providing a more scientific and precise measurement useful for many scientific calculations.

The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid at atmospheric pressure. In the case of sulfur, a commonly encountered element in both industrial applications and natural processes, its melting point is particularly noteworthy.
Sulfur has a melting point of 115.21 degrees Celsius. But why is this significant? The melting point not only helps in identifying substances but also allows chemists and engineers to understand and predict the behavior of the material in different environments.

Practical Implications

• The melting point of sulfur is crucial for industrial processes such as vulcanization, where sulfur is used to harden rubber.
• In geological studies, sulfur's melting point provides clues to the conditions present in Earth's crust and is important for understanding volcanic activity and the formation of sulfide minerals.

When using the melting point to identify a substance or examine its purity, it's important to achieve precision in temperature measurement, converting Celsius to Kelvin when necessary for scientific accuracy.

Mercury, known for being the only metal that is liquid at room temperature, has a boiling point of 356.73°C under standard atmospheric pressure, which is usually rounded to 357°C for simplicity in calculations and discussions. A substance's boiling point is critical to know for a myriad of reasons. It is a unique physical property and provides significant insight into the volatility and chemical properties of the substance.

Understanding Volatility

• Mercury's high boiling point compared to water (100°C) means it remains liquid over a wide range of temperatures, which is why it's traditionally used in thermometers.
• In industrial contexts, knowledge of the boiling point is crucial for designing and managing processes that use or produce mercury or its compounds.

Remember that both the boiling and melting points can serve as vital references during the temperature conversion process. As these properties are typically listed in Celsius, it is often necessary to convert them to Kelvin for scientific experiments and calculations where standardization is critical.