What Was Kelvin's Real Name?

Kelvin's real name was William Thomson. He later became known as Lord Kelvin, a title derived from the River Kelvin, which flows near his laboratory at the University of Glasgow.

Who Was William Thomson (Lord Kelvin)?

William Thomson, widely recognized as Lord Kelvin, was a highly influential Scottish-Irish physicist. Born in Belfast in 1824, he became one of the most eminent scientists of the 19th century. His contributions spanned various fields of physics, including thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. His work laid foundational principles for modern science and engineering.

Contributions and Legacy of Lord Kelvin

Lord Kelvin is perhaps best known for his work in thermodynamics, where he developed the concept of the absolute temperature scale, which now bears his name: the Kelvin scale. This international system of absolute temperature is fundamental to scientific measurement and research worldwide. His other significant contributions include:

• Heat Transfer: Extensive work on the theory of heat and its relationship to mechanical work.
• Electricity and Magnetism: Crucial developments in telegraphy, including the invention of devices like the siphon recorder, which significantly improved transatlantic cable communication.
• Geophysics: Estimating the age of the Earth based on its cooling, though his calculations were later shown to be incomplete due to the then-unknown process of radioactivity.

His pioneering spirit and dedication to scientific inquiry left an indelible mark on the scientific community.

Key Facts About Lord Kelvin

To summarize, here are some essential facts about William Thomson, Lord Kelvin:

Lord Kelvin's legacy endures through the Kelvin scale, a testament to his profound impact on the understanding of fundamental physical phenomena.