Temperature Conversions: Definition, Units, Formula, Equations, Chart, Calculation

In this article, we will learn what is temperature conversions, formula, equations, chart, calculations, etc. We have covered all conversions from Fahrenheit to Celsius scale, Celsius to Fahrenheit, Fahrenheit to Kelvin or Kelvin to Fahrenheit, etc.

What is Temperature Conversions?

Temperature Conversions Basics

Temperature conversion from one unit to another is an essential characteristic of every practical and laboratory analysis work. People commonly use Celsius for day-to-day activities, but Fahrenheit and Celsius are also used.

  • In the field of biology, Fahrenheit is the basic unit of temperature.
  • The body temperature of humans, as well as other living organisms, is measured in Fahrenheit.
  • Still, we are usually exposed to a unit like Kelvin in geology or space sciences.
  • It has never been declared that t is a rigid case for persons of any particular field to follow this mechanism strictly.
  • That is why interconversions of these units have been introduced for simplicity and ease of utilization.

Temperature Conversions

“Temperature conversions aid in transforming a unit of measurement regarding temperature into another unit of temperature.”

Temperature represents the degree of hotness and coldness of any solid, liquid, and gas. Typically, the temperature is measured in Celsius, Kelvin, or Fahrenheit. Scientific society has declared Kelvin as the SI unit of temperature. Temperature is a base quantity.

Temperature conversions have several applications in various fields of science and technology. The details of these applications and various other details of these interconversions of temperature are given as follows:

Check out our ‘MechStudies – The Learning App’ in iOSOpens in a new tab. & AndroidOpens in a new tab.

Temperature Conversions Units & Scales

Temperature Conversions Unit

We have explained earlier that we have three basic units of temperature Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit. These units are used along with temperature usage in any field of science. All of these units have their scales and measurement methods.

By knowing all these scales and techniques, we can get ourselves accustomed to temperature’s inter-conversion and ease of utilization. Now we would briefly enlighten the mechanisms for each of these unit conversions, understanding their scale and techniques for inter-conversion of temperature.

Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale was presented and developed by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius and the unit was named after him. It is typically recognized or called centigrade. When we look at its scale, it exhibits a conventional overview of a scale.

To understand the scale, one must be aware that this scale represents the freezing point of water as 0 degrees Celsius, and similarly, 100 degrees is the boiling point of water. On this scale, the average body temperature is 32 degrees Celsius.

These are some of the essential conventions of this scale and can be used to understand these units’ basic interconversions.

Fahrenheit Scale

Like that of the Celsius scale, this scale is also named after the name of its inventor. Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit found out this scale of temperature. This scale defines the working mechanism or scale mechanism of the Celsius scale and has a different way of being present.

We first look at three essential values of freezing and boiling point of water and average body temperature on that scale for any temperature scale. The Fahrenheit scale has the freezing point of water at 32 degrees Celsius and the boiling point at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

The normal human body temperature of the unit is 98.6 Fahrenheit. It can be measured by using a standard thermometer.

Kelvin Scale

William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin put forward another sale of temperature, which became the SI unit of temperature. This scale is no different from the previous scale and has also been named after his founder or investor.

In this scale, degree obligation has not been practical and is not included in the degree unit. 273.16Krepresents the freezing point of water in this scale, whereas 373.16K represents the boiling point of water. There are several mechanisms for the inter-conversion of these units.

Why do Temperature Conversions Require?

These scales are used for convenience, not necessity. We do not need to have a complete overall grip of all of these units, but we will still look at how these scales work in different fields of science and how they are essential in a particular field. These scales made a division and ease of utilization in their specific areas.

Fahrenheit

This scale was used in the field of medicine. Moreover, it was used in American states and Europe till the 1960s, after which Celsius replaced it.  Canadian technology still uses this Fahrenheit scale for their international weather reports.

When it comes to Canadian appliances, Canadian ovens use these units for their operation. Fahrenheit is used as a supplementary unit in some cases, along with Celsius as the basic unit.

Celsius

To measure the environmental temperature or the temperature difference of various layers of the atmosphere, we usually use a Celsius scale. The reason for this application of Celsius is its ease of utilization. It has a 100-degree symmetrical scale, making it a more effective and influential unit than Fahrenheit.

It has a simple rise and fall level making it easy for any layman to understand. It is the most frequently used temperature scale.

Kelvin

Kelvin scale is usually used to understand temperature grades in space technology. It has a high value of normality, making it a more complex but effective way to express temperature. It is also used in geological and environmental sciences.

Looking at everything we have discussed previously, we know that these different scales have a lot of utilization in their respective fields due to their conventions suiting that particular field.

Temperature Conversion Formula & Equation

Now we find out the mechanism of interconversions of these units into each other. It helps a person easily understand a particular unit system about a unit any person has already grasped off. The formulas for these interconversions are given as follows:

Celsius to Kelvin

This given formula is used for the conversion of Celsius to Kelvin:

T in C +273= T in Kelvin

Celsius to Fahrenheit

If we need to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, we must adhere to this given formula

°F = (9/5) × (°C) + 32

Fahrenheit to Celsius         

To convert any temperature given in Fahrenheit to Celsius, we use

°C = (5/9) × (°F − 32)

Kelvin to Celsius

To have a temperature interconversion from Kelvin to Celsius, we have the formula given as follows

T in Kelvin-273=T in C

Fahrenheit to Kelvin

This given formula helps in conversion from Fahrenheit to Kelvin;

K = °F + 457.87

Temperature Conversion Calculation Examples

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Examples

 A human body temperature is 32°C. Convert 37°C to Fahrenheit.

Solution

The temperature of a human body in Celsius = 32°C. Convert the 32°C temperature of the body into °F. Using Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula, F = (9/5) C + 32. Putting the values, F = (9/5) (32) +32, we get

  • F = 57.6 + 32
  • F = 89.6

Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Examples

Example: What is 116°F on the Celsius scale?

Solution      

Temperature in Fahrenheit = 116°F. By using Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion formula,°C = (5/9) × (°F − 32)

= (5/9) × (116 − 32)

= 46.66°F

Therefore,116°F is 46.66°C on the centigrade scale.

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Examples

The temperature recorded in Celsius can be presented in its Kelvin equivalent by using the Celsius to Kelvin conversion formula. The formula to convert Celsius to Kelvin is represented as K = °C + 273.15

Example: Convert 17°C into Kelvin.

Solution: 

T(°C) = 16°C (Given). By using the Celsius to Kelvin conversion formula, T(K) = T (°C) + 273.15

16 + 273.15 = 289.15 K

Therefore, 16°C is equivalent to 289.15 K.

Fahrenheit to Kelvin Conversion Examples

The temperature recorded in Fahrenheit can be represented in its Kelvin equivalent using the Fahrenheit to Kelvin conversion formula. The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin is given by K = °F + 457.87

Example: Convert 1000 degrees Fahrenheit to Kelvin.

Solution:   

Temperature in Fahrenheit, TF = 1000 F(Given). Using Fahrenheit to Kelvin Formula, T= 5/9(T+ 459.67)

= 5/9(1000 + 459.67)

= 5/9(1459.67)

= 310.93 K

Therefore, 100 degrees Fahrenheit = 310.93 K

Tips and Tricks for Easy Temperature Conversions

After discussing all the techniques in-depth, we must get an idea of easy tips and tricks for inter-conversion of temperature. Some tricks are described as follows:

  • A simple trick to remember when the temperature conversion should be solved without fractions is to use this formula:5(°F) = 9(°C) +160
  • Adding 32 after multiplying 1.8 into Celsius temperature is another shortcut method for Celsius into Fahrenheit.
  • To find the estimated temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, subtract 30 from the Celsius and then divide it by 2

These are the simple techniques and tricks to converting a temperature unit into another simply. Some other methods are also developed for a single aim of simplifying the methodology of temperature conversion.

Some of these tricks are given as follows and are explained by some examples:

Suppose a temperature reading on the Celsius scale is 35 degrees. Now let’s see the process of its conversion into Fahrenheit

Celsius to Fahrenheit

Step 1. Divide Celsius scale reading by number 5

Step 2. Multiply the result of the given first step with 9

Step 3. Add 32 into the outcome of the given value

If the answer is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, then it is correct. It is your Fahrenheit reading of the given Celsius scale reading.

So, 35 degrees Celsius is equal to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Celsius to Kelvin

When it comes to Celsius to Kelvin, it is the simplest inter-conversion method. It involves only one step.

Add 273.15 to the Celsius reading, and we will have the Kelvin scale reading.

35 degree Celsius = 308 Kelvin. Another striking feature of its value is this Kelvin scale does not carry any degree sign along with its unit.

Applications and Importance of Temperature Conversions

Temperature conversions are essential to consider while performing a chemical and physical analysis of a substance. For example, in applied chemistry, we have Charle’s law as well as Boyle’s law. While fulfilling their required assumptions, we first changed the temperature unit to SI unit K Kelvin.

Similarly, some countries use Fahrenheit, and some use Celsius as their surrounding temperature unit. So, to develop a mutual understanding of these two different social classes, these interconversions are used. For example, the weather forecast of Canada is expressed in Celsius, but American states have made Fahrenheit their standard unit for temperature measurement.

As we have discussed earlier, we have different types of temperature units applicable for their relevant fields. These conversions can make a specific field specialist understand the other unit by making it a multiple or a changed form of its commonly used unit. For example, an engineer who has dealt with temperature in K due to its specificity of work gets himself exposed to any production unit dealing with temperature in Celsius; he uses the conversion from Celsius to K and vice versa.

Temperature conversion gives an overall view of the temperature development and uniqueness of various units and their implications. It tells us about the variety of the available applications of these units. These conversions also demonstrate different available values of the same physical and chemical property of a substance.

Useful Temperature Conversion Facts

Temperature is considered one of the most beneficial physical quantities, and it has several essential facts that make it unique and fascinating.

Some common facts but interesting facts of temperature are given as follows:

  • Galileo was the first person to observe to estimate the temperature of the body. In other words, we can say that Galileo is the founder of the detailed study of temperatures.
  • Galileo used a thermoscope to measure, but it is still a mystery from where that device came from. Was that device made up by Galileo, or he just borrowed it from any other scientist of that time.
  • Unlike the other physical quantities, the temperature is a universal physical quantity applicable in every field of contemporary knowledge. It can be used in Physics, Chemistry, and even mathematics.
  • Temperature is generally considered as the measurement of heat, but this is just a misconception. Temperature is related to internal energy. Internal energy can be some of the kinetic and potential energies of the particles of a particular object.
  • Kinetic theory of particles and molecules suggests how body temperature changes with the body’s internal energy and vice versa.
  •  Doctor Robert Fludd from England in 1638 invented the first-ever thermometer with a built-in temperature scale.
  • Daniele Gabriele was one scientist working on finding ways of measuring temperature, and in 1700 he developed a thermometer based on Alcohol mechanism. He then also developed one with a mercury base.
  • Mercury is highly sensitive to temperature changes. That is why it is used as the temperature indicator in several thermometers.
  • Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the thermometer having alcohol as an indicator. He built another one having mercury as an indicator m Usage of Mercury, which became common as a temperature indicator in temperature measuring devices.
  • Anders Celsius is considered the first-ever man to have developed a full pledge scale of temperature measurements. He used the freezing point of temperature and boiling point of water as the base for its system. It is also called the Centigrade scale.
  • When a weatherman reports, they usually use the terminology wind chill as an indicator of the extreme cold. When this air touches the skin, it freezes like a piece of ice that can even lead to hypothermia, and long-term exposure can lead to death.
  • Another terminology related to temperature is heat index. The heat index is not like a heat-telling mechanism, but it tells us about temperature and the moisture in the air. It tells us about heat outside and also describes how air will feel on your body outside.
  • Absolute temperature is a hypothetical temperature at which kinetic motion and internal energy of anybody become zero.
  • The temperature affects and changes the physical as well as chemical properties of any substance.
  • Temperature is an essential condition for all biological reactions, whether they are taking place inside the body or in the open air as photosynthesis.
  • The temperature usually determines the amount of radiation of the body. The body with a higher temperature exhibits radiation at a high frequency.
  • The heat capacity of a substance is another idea related to the temperature and its measurements. The heat capacity is the energy or heat it requires to change its temperature by 1 degree.
  • Men and women both have different body temperatures in comparison to each other. They have different internal mechanisms resulting in different internal approaches resulting in different temperatures.
  • Everything directly involved in a process usually has higher temperatures in bodies due to physical contact.

Conclusion

Temperature conversion and different units available are crucial to contemporary knowledge as any law or theory. Anyone who wants to get himself involved in any scientific field should have a complete idea of these units and their relationship. Moreover, understanding why this temperature occurs and how its transfers is also a critical discussion.

Its knowledge is essential for the sciences and laymen who want to understand atmospheric tempera or weather forecasts. By getting this knowledge about the inter-conversion of temperature, we can explore several areas without needing any intrinsic details.

Temperature is a physical relationship and specific knowledge or condition while having physical or chemical reactions. In short, we can say that it is one of the most important pieces of knowledge one should have. That is why it has been an essential part of the secondary and higher secondary course outline. Different units and their utilization in various fields is also a consequential utilization of temperature.

Our Apps

Check out our ‘MechStudies – The Learning App’ in iOSOpens in a new tab. & AndroidOpens in a new tab.

Check out our most viewed articles,

What is thermodynamics

Intensitve & Extensive Properties

What is Pressure

Bernoulli’s theorem

Venturi meter

Pump basics

Globe valve

Siphon

Reference Articles

MechStudies

Hello Everyone! We, Rituparna Guha & Firan Mondal, are delighted to present our Mechanical Engineering articles. We will capture all types of articles and try to explain in the simplest way with a lot of diagrams! Happy Reading....

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts