Express a body temperature of 98.6°F on the Celsius and Kelvin scale
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert a body temperature of 98.6°F to the Celsius and Kelvin scales, we use the following formulas:
Conversion to Celsius:
°C=(°F−32)×59°C = (°F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9}°C=(°F−32)×95 °C=(98.6−32)×59=66.6×59=37°C°C = (98.6 – 32) \times \frac{5}{9} = 66.6 \times \frac{5}{9} = 37°C°C=(98.6−32)×95=66.6×95=37°C
Conversion to Kelvin:
K=°C+273.15K = °C + 273.15K=°C+273.15 K=37+273.15=310.15 KK = 37 + 273.15 = 310.15\text{ K}K=37+273.15=310.15 K
So, 98.6°F is equal to 37°C or 310.15 K.
Explanation:
Body temperature is a fundamental vital sign used to assess health. In the United States, body temperature is typically measured in degrees Fahrenheit. The standard average body temperature is 98.6°F. However, most of the scientific community, especially in countries using the metric system, prefers Celsius or Kelvin for precision and consistency.
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, we subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value. This step adjusts for the offset between the two scales. Then we multiply by five-ninths to account for the difference in the size of the degrees. On the Fahrenheit scale, there are 180 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water while on the Celsius scale there are only 100. Therefore, a single degree on the Fahrenheit scale is smaller, which is why the conversion involves a fraction.
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, we simply add 273.15. This is because zero Kelvin is absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion stops, and it corresponds to minus 273.15°C. Kelvin is commonly used in scientific fields, especially physics and chemistry, because it is an absolute temperature scale that starts at zero.
In summary, a typical body temperature of 98.6°F is equivalent to 37°C or 310.15 K, with each scale offering advantages depending on context and region.
