Visionlearning Glossary

American marine geochemist born in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1928-2005). Keeling researched the greenhouse effect and subsequent changes in the earth’s atmosphere. Keeling helped establish a station on Mauna Loa in 1958 where monthly atmospheric CO₂ measurements have been taken ever since. His dedication to producing a long-term record was critical to showing that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been increasing over time. His work resulted in a greater awareness of the human impact on global climate. For further information see Charles David Keeling.

Scottish physician and mathematician born in Belfast, Ireland (1824-1907). In 1867, Kelvin published Treatise on Natural Philosophy (later republished as Principles of Mechanics and Dynamics), which established the role of energy in the theory of mechanics. Kelvin also championed the idea that the entropy of the universe constantly increases, and will eventually reach a state of uniform temperature and maximum entropy, where no further work is possible: this uniform temperature will be absolute zero, or 0° Kelvin (-237°C). For more information, see William Kelvin.

Used in the following modules: Temperature

German mathematician and astronomer born in Weil der Stadt, Württemburg (now part of Stuttgart, Germany) (1571-1630). Kepler is best known for outlining his laws of planetary motion, which defined the paths of the planets as orbits that could be mathematically represented as an ellipse. He was a champion if the Copernican model of the universe, publishing the Mysterium Cosmographicum in defense of it. For further information, see Johannes Kepler

Used in the following modules: Gravity, Research Methods: The Practice of Science

The energy an object possesses by virtue of its motion.An object of mass m moving at velocity v has a kinetic energy of ½m·v².

Used in the following modules: Energy