The temperature inside a typical house is 73°F. What is this temperature on the Celsius and Kelvin scales?
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert 73 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), use the formula: °C=59×(°F−32)°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (°F – 32)
Substituting 73°F: °C=59×(73−32)=59×41=22.78°C°C = \frac{5}{9} \times (73 – 32) = \frac{5}{9} \times 41 = 22.78°C
So, 73°F is approximately 22.78°C.
Next, to convert Celsius to Kelvin (K), use the formula: K=°C+273.15K = °C + 273.15
Substituting 22.78°C: K=22.78+273.15=295.93 KK = 22.78 + 273.15 = 295.93\,K
Therefore, 73°F corresponds to about 22.78°C and 295.93 K.
Explanation:
Temperature conversion between Fahrenheit and Celsius is based on the relationship that the freezing point of water is 32°F and 0°C, and the boiling point of water is 212°F and 100°C. The Fahrenheit scale is offset by 32 degrees and has a different size per degree compared to Celsius. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature to remove the offset, then multiply by 5/9 to adjust for the scale size difference. This formula ensures that water’s freezing and boiling points convert accurately between the two scales.
The Kelvin scale, used primarily in scientific contexts, starts at absolute zero, the theoretical lowest temperature possible where particles have minimal thermal motion. The Kelvin scale has the same size degree as Celsius but is shifted so that 0 K corresponds to -273.15°C. To convert from Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15. This gives a temperature measurement that is absolute, meaning it cannot be lower than zero.
In practical terms, a typical room temperature of 73°F translates to roughly 22.78°C, which is a comfortable, warm indoor temperature. Expressed in Kelvin, it is about 295.93 K. This conversion is useful in scientific calculations and contexts where absolute temperatures are necessary, such as physics and chemistry.