Which of the following correctly identifies the lowest possible temperature on both the Celsius and Kelvin scales?

• A. -273.15 °C and 0 K
• B. -273.15 °C and -273.15 K
• C. 0 °C and 0 K
• D. 0 °C and 273.15 K

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the lowest possible temperature corresponds to absolute zero, the point at which particles have minimum thermal motion.
2. Recall that the Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, so the lowest temperature on the Kelvin scale is 0 K.
3. Know the relationship between Celsius and Kelvin scales: \(\text{K} = \text{°C} + 273.15\).
4. Use the relationship to find the Celsius equivalent of 0 K: \(0 = \text{°C} + 273.15\), which rearranges to \(\text{°C} = -273.15\).
5. Conclude that the lowest possible temperature is \(-273.15\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}\) on the Celsius scale and \(0\,\mathrm{K}\) on the Kelvin scale.