Common Units
Common temperature units are Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K). Celsius is widely used worldwide and sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and boiling at 100°C. Fahrenheit, mainly used in the United States, defines freezing at 32°F and boiling at 212°F. Kelvin is the scientific unit used in physics, starting at absolute zero (0K), the theoretical lowest temperature, and uses the same interval size as Celsius.
- Celsius defines water freezing at 0°C, boiling at 100°C.
- Fahrenheit sets freezing at 32°F, boiling at 212°F.
- Kelvin starts at 0K (absolute zero), used in science.
See vocabulary for these units in English, Spanish, and German in the measurement units sections【2:Temperature】,【7:Temperature】,【13:Temperature】.
Measuring Temperature
Temperature is measured via thermometers (mercury, alcohol, digital), digital sensors, and infrared measurements. Traditional thermometers rely on fluid expansion; digital sensors use electronic properties that change with temperature; infrared devices measure emitted radiation without contact, useful for moving or hard-to-reach objects.
- Thermometers: classic mercury/alcohol and modern digital types.
- Digital sensors: electronic measurement via sensor elements.
- Infrared: remote measurement based on infrared radiation.
No detailed excerpts found but common methods supported by standard scientific knowledge.
Temperature Conversion
Conversion formulas between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin are widely used:
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: \( F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32 \)
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: \( C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32) \)
- Celsius to Kelvin: \( K = C + 273.15 \)
These conversions allow switching between units for scientific, weather, or daily use.
Weather and Temperature
Temperature impacts weather phenomena such as daily temperature ranges, heatwaves, and cold snaps. The daily range shows natural variation from daytime heating to nighttime cooling. Heatwaves are prolonged hot weather periods, and cold snaps are similarly extended cold periods.
- Daily range: temperature difference within a day.
- Heatwaves: extended hot weather affecting health and environment.
- Cold snaps: short cold spells impacting agriculture and human activity.
Related terminology and expressions found in weather vocabulary resources【2:Weather】【14:Weather】【17:Weather】.
Scientific Context
Scientific temperature milestones include absolute zero (0K), the freezing point of water (0°C, 273.15K), and the boiling point of water (100°C, 373.15K). Absolute zero represents the lowest possible temperature where molecular motion stops. Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure.
- Absolute zero = 0K (−273.15°C)
- Freezing point of water = 0°C (273.15K)
- Boiling point of water = 100°C (373.15K)
Everyday Use
Temperature is significant in cooking (e.g., recommended cooking temperatures for safety), indoor climate control (heating and air conditioning settings), and monitoring body temperature (normal around 37°C or 98.6°F).
- Cooking: proper temperatures ensure safety and doneness.
- Indoor climate: thermostat settings regulate comfort.
- Body temperature: vital health indicator.
Climate and Environment
Temperature changes relate closely to global warming, seasonal temperature variations, and effects on ecosystems. Global warming leads to rising average temperatures globally, seasonal changes explain weather patterns, and temperature fluctuations influence ecosystem behavior and survival.
- Global warming: increase in Earth's average temperature.
- Seasonal changes: cyclic temperature variation per season.
- Ecosystem impact: temperature affects plant and animal life cycles.
Expressions with Temperature
Languages use numerous idiomatic expressions related to temperature, such as hot weather phrases ("It's scorching"), cold weather phrases ("It's freezing"), and idioms involving temperature metaphorically, e.g., "under the weather" or "breaking the ice."
Vocabulary in Languages
Temperature-related vocabulary is available in English, Spanish, and German, covering units, measurement terms, descriptive adjectives, and common phrases.
- English: see English vocabulary measurement units - temperature【2:Temperature】
- Spanish: Spanish vocabulary measurement units - temperature【13:Temperature】
- German: German vocabulary measurement units - temperature【7:Temperature】
Technology and Temperature
Modern technology uses temperature sensors in gadgets (smartphones, wearables), thermal imaging to visualize heat distribution, and temperature control mechanisms in devices to maintain optimal operation and safety.
- Sensors: detect temperature electronically in devices.
- Thermal imaging: visualizing heat for diagnostics or surveillance.
- Control: thermostats in electronics maintain operating temperature.
References
- [2] English Vocabulary - Measurement Units - Temperature (temperature units and conversions)【2:Temperature】
- [7] German Vocabulary - Measurement Units - Temperature【7:Temperature】
- [13] Spanish Vocabulary - Measurement Units - Temperature【13:Temperature】
- [2,14,17] English, German, Spanish Vocabulary - Weather terms including heatwaves and cold snaps【2:Weather】【14:Weather】【17:Weather】
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