Temperature Scales and Conversions | Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin
Learn about the different temperature scales, boiling points, freezing points, and how to convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
Thanks for stopping by, this is 2 Minute Classroom and today we are talking about temperature scales and how to convert between them.
First, let’s introduce the scales and then I’ll talk about how to convert between them.
Celsius or centigrade is used in countries that use the metric system. Water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C.
On the fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F.
The third and finale scale is the Kelvin scale, it is similar the celsius scale but shifted by 273. So water freezes at 273 K and boils at 373 K. The Kelvin scale is based on absolute zero. This is the lowest temperature that is theoretically possible and puts atoms at their lowest energy state. So absolute zero is 0 K which is approximately -273 °C and -459 °F. Pretty chilly.
Converting between celsius and Kelvin is easy, because a 1 degree movement on the Celsius scale is equal to 1 on the Kelvin, there is just a difference 273 between the temperatures. So simply take the celsius temperature and add 273 to get kelvin.
Converting between celsius and fahrenheit is a little trickier, because the degrees are not equivalent. Luckily, there is a simple equation. Let’s convert 18 °C into fahrenheit. First, multiply 18 by 9/5 and then add 32, which gives you 64.4 °F.
Now lets go the other way and convert 18 °F into degrees celsius. The equation looks like this. We first need to subtract 32, then multiply the result by 5/9. Giving us -7.8 °C.
If you are ever unsure if you are using the equation correctly, you can always check by converting between the boiling points of each temperature.
I hope that helps you understand a little more about the temperature scales and how to convert between them. I would love to hear your questions and comment, so throw them below, and don’t forget to watch my other videos.
I’ll catch you next time.