- What is the formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
- °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. Quick mental math shortcut: double the Celsius value, subtract 10%, then add 32. For example: 20°C → 20 × 2 = 40, − 4 = 36, + 32 = 68°F (exact: 68°F). This gets you within ~1°F for most temperatures.
- What is the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
- °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Example: 98.6°F → (98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 66.6 × 0.5556 = 37°C (normal body temperature). A quick approximation: subtract 32 and halve the result (slightly low but fast).
- What is Kelvin and why is it used in science?
- Kelvin is the SI base unit of temperature, starting at absolute zero (−273.15°C), the lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion stops. K = °C + 273.15. Scientists use Kelvin because it is an absolute scale — temperatures cannot go negative, making equations simpler and physics calculations more consistent.
- What is absolute zero in different temperature scales?
- Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature: 0 K = −273.15°C = −459.67°F = 0°R. At absolute zero, particles have minimum thermal motion. It is theoretically unattainable but scientists have cooled matter to within billionths of a Kelvin above it.
- At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit the same?
- Celsius and Fahrenheit are equal at −40°: −40°C = −40°F. You can verify: (−40 × 9/5) + 32 = −72 + 32 = −40. This is the only temperature where the two scales intersect.
- What is normal body temperature in different scales?
- Normal adult body temperature is 37°C = 98.6°F = 310.15 K = 558.27°R. Note that individual "normal" temperature varies between 36.1°C (97°F) and 37.2°C (99°F). A fever is generally defined as above 38°C (100.4°F).
- What is Rankine temperature scale?
- Rankine (°R) is an absolute temperature scale using Fahrenheit degree increments. Like Kelvin is to Celsius, Rankine is to Fahrenheit: 0°R = absolute zero, and 1°R = 1°F in difference. °R = (°F + 459.67). It is used in thermodynamics calculations in the United States where Fahrenheit units are preferred.