Mathematics and Physics Glossary

Kaleidophon Kaleidophone (Phys.) An instrument invented by Professor Wheatstone, consisting of a reflecting knob at the end of a vibrating rod or thin plate, for making visible, in the motion of a point of light reflected from the knob, the paths or curves corresponding with the musical notes produced by the vibrations.

Kaprekar’s constant, n. (Math.) The number = 6174. This is the result eventually produced by carrying out the following operations. Make a four-digit number by using at least two different, nonzero digits. Place the digits in order: largest to smallest and smallest to largest, to make two other numbers. Subtract the smaller from the larger to make a new number. Continue repeating this process until 6174 is obtained.

Kathetal a. (Math.) Making a right angle; perpendicular, as two lines or two sides of a triangle, which include a right angle.

Kelvin, n. (Phys.) [After the Scottish mathematician and physicist William Thomson, First Lord Kelvin (1824-1907)] The unit of thermodynamic temperature in the International System (SI) of Units. It is ¹/_273.16th of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.

Kelvin scale, n. (Phys.) The Kelvin scale is based on laws of physics in which there is an absolute zero, and all temperatures are measured from that point. To change temperatures between the Celsius and Kelvin scales, use: