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Exploring Temperature Scales

Exploring Temperature Scales

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It determines the direction of heat flow between two objects in thermal contact. It is a critical parameter in science, industry, and daily life.

Introduction & History

The first thermometer was invented in the 17th century. The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, using a salt-ice mixture and the human body temperature as reference points. The Celsius scale, created by Anders Celsius in 1742, is based on the freezing and boiling points of water. The Kelvin scale, proposed by Lord Kelvin, is an absolute scale where 0 K represents absolute zero.

Key Units

Celsius (°C)

The standard scale in most of the world, part of the metric system.

Fahrenheit (°F)

Primarily used in the United States.

Kelvin (K)

The SI base unit of temperature, used in scientific contexts.

Practical Applications

Meteorology and Climate Science

Cooking and Food Safety

Medical Diagnostics

Industrial Processes

Scientific Experiments

Key Formula

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

This is the standard formula to convert temperatures from the Celsius scale to the Fahrenheit scale.