Grade 9 → Heat and Thermodynamics → Temperature and heat ↓
Temperature scales
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It tells us how hot or cold something is. Different scales have been developed to measure temperature, and each has its own specific use depending on the context. The most commonly used scales for measuring temperature are Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K). Each scale has its own unique starting point known as the zero point and its own increment unit.
Celsius scale
The Celsius scale, also known as the centigrade scale, is widely used to measure temperatures on a daily basis around the world. This scale is based on the phase changes of water:
- The freezing point of water is 0°C.
- The boiling point of water is 100°C.
One degree Celsius is equal to one Kelvin. The Celsius scale is convenient for everyday life because it is so closely associated with water, which is an important substance in many contexts.
V = IR
Where V is the voltage, I is the current, and R is the resistance.
Consider an example: if we are told that the temperature outside is 20°C, we can comfortably say that it is a mild and pleasant day, since it is approximately equal to the room temperature.
Fahrenheit scale
The Fahrenheit scale is used primarily in the United States. It is based on:
- The freezing point of water is 32°F.
- The boiling point of water is 212°F.
This scale was designed to reflect the working temperature range of most places. To convert temperatures between Celsius and Fahrenheit, we use the following formula:
F = (C × 9/5) + 32
For example, if your temperature is 25°C and you want to know what it is in Fahrenheit, you would calculate:
F = (25 × 9/5) + 32 = 77°F
Thus, 25°C is equal to 77°F.
Kelvin scale
The Kelvin scale is a scientific scale for measuring temperature. It is used especially in scientific calculations and experiments. The zero point of the Kelvin scale is absolute zero, the point at which particle motion almost stops. The Kelvin scale is related to the Celsius scale as follows:
- 0 K is absolute zero.
- The freezing point of water is 273.15 K.
- The boiling point of water is 373.15 K.
Conversion between Celsius and Kelvin is simple:
K = C + 273.15
Suppose we want to find the Kelvin equivalent of 25°C:
K = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
Scientists often prefer the Kelvin scale because of its absolute nature and ease of calculation.
Comparison of temperature scales
Let's compare the three scales with each other:
- Celsius: freezing point 0°C, boiling point 100°C
- Fahrenheit: Freezing point 32°F, Boiling point 212°F
- Kelvin: Freezing point 273.15 K, Boiling point 373.15 K
The comparison on the phase change of water is as follows:
State | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) |
---|---|---|---|
Freezing point | 0 °C | 32°F | 273.15 K |
Boiling point | 100 degrees Celsius | 212°F | 373.15 K |
Practical example
Consider an everyday situation such as the temperature of a hot cup of coffee. If the temperature of the coffee is 70°C, you can convert it like this:
In Fahrenheit:
F = (70 × 9/5) + 32 = 158°F
For Kelvin:
K = 70 + 273.15 = 343.15 K
Why different scales?
The existence of different temperature scales arises from the history and development of thermodynamics and the need for convenience in different regions of the world. Different scales suit different needs:
- Celsius is practical for everyday use and is followed in most of the world.
- The use of Fahrenheit for domestic purposes is more prevalent in regions such as the United States, as it provides better distinction for interpreting weather.
- The Kelvin is essential in scientific contexts because it allows for absolute temperature measurement and is fully alignable with physical laws such as thermodynamics.
Conclusion
Each temperature scale serves its own specific purpose, whether in daily use, regional preferences, or scientific research, helping us understand and interpret temperature, which is an important aspect of everyday life and the physical world. Understanding these scales, their relationships, and their applications is fundamental in connecting our sensory experience of temperature to numerical data.