Degree Fahrenheit

Definition

The degree Fahrenheit (°F) is a unit of temperature used primarily in the United States. It is based on a scale where the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point is 212°F under standard atmospheric conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724.
2. On the Fahrenheit scale, the interval between the freezing and boiling points of water is divided into 180 equal parts.
3. To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula: $F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32$.
4. Absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, corresponds to -459.67°F on the Fahrenheit scale.
5. In scientific contexts outside the United States, temperatures are more commonly measured in degrees Celsius or Kelvin.

Review Questions

• What is the freezing point of water in degrees Fahrenheit?
• How do you convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
• Who developed the Fahrenheit temperature scale?

Related terms

Degree Celsius: A unit of temperature where water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric conditions.

Kelvin: The SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature, starting from absolute zero; defined as \(K = °C +273.15\).

Absolute Zero: The theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which point particles have minimum thermal motion; equivalent to -273.15°C or -459.67°F.