On equation q = m d T C

Do I always use t in Celsius or can I also use kelvin?

Question

On equation q = m d T C 

Do I always use t in Celsius or can I also use kelvin?

aaronq · Answer

if C, heat capacity, is in units of celsius then you have to use celsius

vincent-lyon.fr · Answer

You can use whatever you find easier.

The two scales Celsius and Kelvin were built so that they have a different origin, but they have the same unit.
so  dt/°C = dT/K

All formula involving CHANGES in temperature will be the same with degrees Celsius or kelvins.

On the other hand, PV = nRT will only work with kelvins.

jfraser · Answer

@Vincent-Lyon.Fr is correct, the temp in calorimetry doesn't matter, because we're only interested in a CHANGE in temp.

aaronq · Answer

oh right, dT.  mah bad

anonymous · Answer

Thanks you guys!