In the equation P/T = k, what does 'T' represent?

In the equation P/T = k, 'T' represents the gas temperature in Kelvin. This equation is a representation of Gay-Lussac's law, which relates the pressure (P) of a gas to its absolute temperature (T) when the volume is held constant.

Using Kelvin as the temperature unit is essential because this scale starts at absolute zero, ensuring that temperature values do not become negative. The relationship defined in this equation shows that as the temperature of a gas increases, its pressure will also increase, provided that the volume remains unchanged. This direct relationship highlights the importance of using the Kelvin scale, as it allows for accurate calculations in thermodynamic processes.

Using other temperature scales like degrees Celsius would lead to incorrect calculations since they can include negative values, thereby yielding nonsensical results in the context of this law. In summary, recognizing 'T' as the gas temperature in Kelvin is crucial for properly understanding the behavior of gases in response to temperature changes.