Degree Celsius

Definition

The degree Celsius is a unit of measurement for temperature, defined by the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and the boiling point at 100 degrees under standard atmospheric conditions. This scale is widely used around the world for everyday temperature measurements in weather forecasts, scientific experiments, and cooking. The degree Celsius is a part of the metric system and is often seen as more intuitive for common temperatures experienced in daily life compared to other temperature scales.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The degree Celsius was previously known as centigrade, which means 'hundred steps,' referring to the 100-degree interval between the freezing and boiling points of water.
2. The Celsius scale is based on the properties of water, making it practical for everyday use, especially in relation to weather and cooking.
3. In scientific contexts, temperature in degrees Celsius can be converted to Kelvin by adding 273.15 to the Celsius value.
4. The degree Celsius is part of the International System of Units (SI), making it standard in scientific research and international communication.
5. Countries that primarily use the metric system favor degrees Celsius for most applications, while the United States predominantly uses Fahrenheit for everyday measurements.

Review Questions

• How does the degree Celsius relate to other temperature scales like Fahrenheit and Kelvin?
  • The degree Celsius serves as a bridge between various temperature scales. For instance, water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 273.15 Kelvin. When converting from Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.15. This relationship highlights how the Celsius scale is anchored in physical phenomena like the freezing and boiling points of water, which are relevant across different contexts.
• Evaluate the advantages of using the degree Celsius over Fahrenheit in scientific research and everyday applications.
  • Using the degree Celsius has several advantages, especially in scientific research. Its alignment with the metric system makes it easier to integrate with other metric measurements. The scale's reference points are based on universal physical properties—freezing and boiling points of water—making it intuitive for experiments. Additionally, because most countries use Celsius, it fosters consistency and clarity in international scientific communication and everyday discussions.
• Create a scenario where converting between degree Celsius and another temperature scale would be necessary, explaining its significance in that context.
  • Imagine a chef working in an international kitchen preparing a dish that requires specific baking temperatures. The recipe provides instructions in Fahrenheit while the chef's oven displays temperatures in degrees Celsius. To ensure that the dish is cooked correctly without compromising flavor or texture, the chef must convert 350 degrees Fahrenheit to approximately 177 degrees Celsius. This conversion is significant as it ensures that culinary standards are met across diverse regions while allowing for successful collaboration among chefs from various countries.

Related terms

Kelvin: The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale used primarily in scientific contexts, where 0 K represents absolute zero, the point at which molecular motion stops.

Fahrenheit:

The Fahrenheit scale is a temperature scale primarily used in the United States, where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees.

Thermometer: A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature, which can be calibrated to different scales, including Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.