Convert Temperature Scales

Convert a temperature from one scale to another

Converting Temperature Scales

Converting temperatures between different scales is an important aspect of many scientific and technical disciplines. Various temperature scales have been developed over the years, each with their unique methods of measuring temperatures.

Overview of Temperature Scales

• Celsius (°C): This scale, also known as the centigrade scale, is based on the freezing point of water (0°C) and the boiling point of water (100°C) at standard atmospheric pressure.
• Fahrenheit (°F): This scale is based on the freezing point of a salt/ice water mixture (0°F), the freezing point of pure water (32°F), and the average human body temperature (98.6°F).
• Kelvin (K): This scale starts at the absolute zero point, the theoretical lowest possible temperature (0K). It is the standard scale for scientific work, especially in physics.
• Newton (°N): This scale was developed by Sir Isaac Newton. He defined the freezing point of water as 0°N and the boiling point as 33°N.
• Rankine (°R): This scale also starts at the absolute zero point, just like the Kelvin scale, but the scale increments are based on the Fahrenheit scale, with a difference of 1°R being equal to a difference of 1°F.
• Réaumur (°Ré): This scale is based on the freezing point of water (0°Ré) and the boiling point of water (80°Ré).
• Rømer (°Rø): This scale is based on the freezing point of brine (0°Rø), the freezing point of water (7.5°Rø), and the boiling point of water (60°Rø).

Converting Between Scales

Converting between these scales is relatively simple since each scale has two fixed points and it's assumed that the scales have a linear relationship with each other. For example, to convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, you multiply the temperature in Celsius by 9/5 and add 32. To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, you first subtract 32 from the temperature in Fahrenheit, and then multiply by 5/9.

It's important to note that although these scales have different ways of measuring temperatures, they all aim to quantify the same fundamental concept: how hot or cold something is. Choosing the right scale often depends on the context and purpose of the measurement.