Energetics: q = mct in celsius or kelvin??

[turtle turtle]

I was doing a past exam paper, and the temperature change was 7 degrees celsius, so I converted it into Kelvin, but the answer had it in celsius. I thought that change in T was always meant to be Kelvin? Is this not the case for ib?

thanks!

[inriya]

Q = mc(delta) T  [so this is the equation that i remembered]

T should be in Kelvin. However, it can be converted into celsius. You should refer to your question whether it is celsius or kelvin. But, I personally think writing it in kelvin will be fine in the IB exam. (I have seen kelvin as the answer for chemistry HL papers)

 

Edit: Q should be in Joules = (J/gK) *K 

So K can be the right answer. But celsius and kelvin have the same scale (if you get it,  C + 273 = K) 

Edited April 5, 2016 by inriya

[Moma]

I do not take chemistry, but I take physics, and we have that equation as well. What I do is, since the delta T is exactly the same in the Kelvn scale as well as in Celcius scale, I just look at what is given. If the question asks me for the temperature, I prefer to give the answer in Celcius. But if it's not written specifically what unit you should use, answers in both units will be correct

[Msj Chem]

A temperature change (delta T) of 10 degrees C is the same as a temperature change of 10 K. It doesn't mater which unit you use in this equation. 

[turtle turtle]

Thanks so much everyone!!