A measure of something’s heat or coldness is its temperature. Its significance cannot be overstated as one of the most fundamental and widely applied physical quantities. The capacity to convert temperatures between the various temperature scales used around the world is crucial. We will go over the different temperature conversion formulas in this article, how they work, and when to use them.
Introduction
Let’s first talk about temperature and why we need to convert it before we get into the various temperature conversion formulas. The amount of thermal energy in a substance or system is measured by its temperature. It is typically expressed as a number of degrees in Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin (K). Being able to convert between temperature scales is essential because different nations and industries use various temperature scales.
Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion
The two temperature scales that are most frequently used around the world are the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. The Fahrenheit scale is based on the temperature of a person’s body as well as the freezing point of a solution of salt and ice, whereas the Celsius scale is based on the boiling and freezing points of water. F = (9/5)C + 32 is the formula for converting from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
where F is the Fahrenheit temperature and C is the Celsius temperature.
The temperature in Fahrenheit, for instance, would be:
F = (9/5) x 25 + 32 = 77°F if the temperature were 25°C.
Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion
It’s a little trickier to convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius than from Celsius to Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion formula: C = (5/9)(F – 32)
where C is the Celsius temperature and F is the Fahrenheit temperature.
For instance, the temperature in Celsius would be: C = (5/9)(68 – 32) = 20°C if the temperature in Fahrenheit is 68°F.
Celsius to Kelvin Conversion
The Kelvin temperature scale is frequently employed in scientific contexts, particularly in physics. A scale of absolute temperatures, the Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero, the point at which all matter has no thermal energy.
K = C + 273.15 is the formula for converting between Celsius and Kelvin.
where K is the Kelvin temperature and C is the Celsius temperature.
For instance, if the temperature is 25 °C, then
K = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K would be the temperature.
Kelvin to Celsius Conversion
The opposite of the conversion from Celsius to Kelvin is to convert from Kelvin to Celsius.
C = K – 273.15 is the formula for converting Kelvin to Celsius.
where C is the Celsius temperature and K is the Kelvin temperature.
As an illustration, if the temperature is 300 K, the temperature in Celsius is obtained as follows: C = 300 – 273.15 = 26.85°C.
Fahrenheit to Kelvin Conversion
Fahrenheit must first be converted to Celsius using the Celsius to Celsius conversion formula, and then Celsius must be converted to Kelvin using the Celsius to Kelvin conversion formula. Fahrenheit to Kelvin conversion formula: K = (5/9)(F – 32) + 273.15
The formula for converting Kelvin to Fahrenheit is:
F = (9/5)(K – 273.15) + 32
Where F is the Fahrenheit temperature and K is the Kelvin temperature.
For instance, if the temperature is 300 K, the following would be the temperature in Fahrenheit:
F = (9/5)(300 – 273.15) + 32 = 80.33°F
Rankine to Fahrenheit Conversion
Another common absolute temperature scale in the US is the Rankine scale. Despite beginning at zero degrees, it is based on the Fahrenheit scale.
F = R – 459.67 is the formula to convert Rankine to Fahrenheit.
where F is the Fahrenheit temperature and R is the Rankine temperature.
For instance, if the temperature is 550 R, then
F = 550 – 459.67 = 90.33°F would be the equivalent temperature in Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
For those who deal with temperature in their daily lives or at work, temperature conversion formulas are crucial tools. The capacity to convert temperatures between the various temperature scales used around the world is essential. The Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine temperature scales are all covered by some of the most popular formulas in this article.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales?
There are two different temperature scales that are used all over the world: Celsius and Fahrenheit. Their zero points and the size of their degree increments represent the main distinction between the two. The freezing and boiling points of water—0°C for freezing and 100°C for boiling—form the basis of the Celsius scale. The freezing point of a solution of salt, ice, and water is 32°F, and the boiling point is 212°F, according to the Fahrenheit scale, which is based on these two temperatures.
What is the difference between the Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales?
Worldwide, people measure temperature using both the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. Their zero points and the size of the degree increments between them are what distinguishes them most from one another. With 0°C being the freezing point and 100°C being the boiling point, the Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water. The Fahrenheit scale, on the other hand, is based on the freezing and boiling points of a solution of salt, ice, and water, with 32°F being the freezing point and 212°F being the boiling point.
Why do scientists prefer to use the Kelvin temperature scale?
Because the Kelvin scale is an absolute scale that begins at absolute zero (the lowest temperature possible) and has no negative values, scientists prefer to use it. This makes comparing and manipulating temperatures in scientific experiments simpler.
Can I use an online temperature converter instead of using the formulas?
Yes, you can skip using the formulas and instead use an online temperature converter. Before using a converter, it is crucial to confirm its accuracy and dependability.
How do I convert temperatures in Excel?
The CONVERT function in Excel can be used to convert temperatures between different scales. For instance, you can use the formula =CONVERT(A1,”C”,”F”) to change a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit. A1 is the cell that contains the Celsius temperature.
Are there any other temperature scales that are not discussed in this article?
The Delisle scale, the Newton scale, and the Réaumur scale are a few other temperature scales that aren’t covered in this article. However, compared to the Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine scales, these scales are not as widely used.