Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is, reflecting the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. It is fundamental in science, daily life, and technology, influencing states of matter, weather, and biological processes.
- Indicates the average kinetic energy of particles.
- Determines heat flow between objects.
- Measured in Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin are common temperature units.
Celsius (°C)
Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C in the Celsius scale.
The Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C, dividing the interval into 100 equal parts. It is widely used around the world for everyday temperature measurement.
- Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C.
- Commonly used globally for weather and cooking.
Fahrenheit (°F)
Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F in the Fahrenheit scale.
Fahrenheit places the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F, with 180 degrees between these points. It is primarily used in the United States for weather forecasts and household thermostats.
- Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F.
- Used mainly in the United States.
Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States.
Room temperature is typically about 68-72°F.
Kelvin (K)
Absolute zero is 0 K, where particles have minimum thermal motion.
The Kelvin scale is used in science, starting at absolute zero (0 K), where particle motion stops. One Kelvin equals one degree Celsius in size. Water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K.
- Starts at absolute zero (0 K), the coldest possible temperature.
- Used primarily in scientific contexts.
- 0 K = -273.15°C, water freezes at 273.15 K.
Kelvin is the temperature scale used in scientific research.
Kelvin starts at absolute zero and is used in scientific contexts.
Conversion Formulas
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: \(F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32\)
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: \(C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32)\)
- Celsius to Kelvin: \(K = C + 273.15\)
- Kelvin to Celsius: \(C = K - 273.15\)
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, use F = (9/5)C + 32.
Correct formulas include F=(9/5)C+32, C=(5/9)(F-32), and K=C+273.15.
Summary
Temperature measures the thermal state of matter using different scales for various purposes:
- Celsius sets water's freezing/boiling points at 0/100°C and is used globally.
- Fahrenheit uses 32/212°F for freezing/boiling and is common in the USA.
- Kelvin starts at absolute zero and is essential for scientific work.