A child has a body temperature of 38.7 C. If the normal body temperature is 98.6 C, does the child has a fever? What is the child’s temperature in K?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Let’s clarify the information first:
- The child’s body temperature is 38.7 °C.
- The normal human body temperature is 98.6 °F (not °C).
This is important because 98.6 °C would be extremely hot (well above boiling water), so it seems there was a mix-up.
Step 1: Confirm if the child has a fever
- Normal body temperature is about 37 °C (or 98.6 °F).
- A fever is generally considered when the body temperature rises above 38 °C.
- The child’s temperature is 38.7 °C, which is above 38 °C.
Conclusion:
Yes, the child has a fever.
Step 2: Convert the child’s temperature from Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K)
The conversion formula is: K=°C+273.15K = °C + 273.15
For the child: K=38.7+273.15=311.85 KK = 38.7 + 273.15 = 311.85\,K
Explanation (about 300 words)
Body temperature is a key vital sign indicating health status. The average normal human body temperature is about 37 °C (or 98.6 °F). Temperatures slightly above this usually indicate the body’s response to infections or other causes leading to fever.
The child’s temperature is 38.7 °C, which is above the typical fever threshold of 38 °C. Fever is the body’s natural mechanism to fight infections by creating a less favorable environment for pathogens and boosting the immune system’s efficiency. While a mild fever can be beneficial, a high fever may need medical attention.
It is important to note the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales when interpreting temperature values. The normal 98.6 is in Fahrenheit, corresponding to about 37 °C. The child’s temperature was given in Celsius, so the comparison must be made within the same scale.
Converting Celsius to Kelvin is straightforward by adding 273.15, since Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale used mostly in scientific contexts. The child’s temperature in Kelvin is approximately 311.85 K. This value is useful for scientific calculations and experiments but less common in clinical settings.
In summary, the child has a fever, as their temperature of 38.7 °C is above normal. Converting to Kelvin, the temperature is about 311.85 K. Monitoring fever and other symptoms can guide whether medical care is necessary.