Celsius Scale

Definition

The Celsius scale is a temperature scale that measures temperature based on the freezing and boiling points of water. It is widely used in scientific and everyday applications to quantify temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Celsius scale was developed by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who defined the freezing point of water as 0°C and the boiling point as 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
2. The Celsius scale is based on the properties of water and is directly related to the Kelvin scale, with 0°C being equal to 273.15 K.
3. Temperatures on the Celsius scale can be converted to the Fahrenheit scale using the formula: °F = (9/5)°C + 32.
4. The Celsius scale is widely used in scientific and academic settings, as well as in everyday life in most countries around the world.
5. The Celsius scale is a linear scale, meaning that the difference between two temperatures is the same regardless of the starting point.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Celsius scale is defined and how it relates to the properties of water.
  • The Celsius scale is defined by setting the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point of water at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure. This direct connection to the properties of water makes the Celsius scale a practical and widely used temperature scale in scientific and everyday applications. The scale is linear, meaning the difference between any two temperatures is the same regardless of the starting point.
• Describe how the Celsius scale is related to the Kelvin scale and how temperatures can be converted between the two.
  • The Celsius scale is directly related to the Kelvin scale, an absolute temperature scale that measures temperature in units of Kelvin (K). The freezing point of water on the Celsius scale is 0°C, which is equal to 273.15 K on the Kelvin scale. This relationship allows for easy conversion between the two scales, with the formula: T(K) = T(°C) + 273.15. Understanding the connection between the Celsius and Kelvin scales is important for accurately interpreting and working with temperature measurements in various scientific contexts.
• Analyze the advantages and limitations of using the Celsius scale compared to other temperature scales, such as Fahrenheit, in different applications.
  • The Celsius scale offers several advantages that make it the preferred temperature scale in most scientific and international contexts. Its direct connection to the properties of water, as well as its linear and intuitive scale, make it well-suited for scientific measurements and everyday use. However, the Celsius scale also has limitations, particularly when compared to the Fahrenheit scale, which is more commonly used in certain countries, such as the United States. The Fahrenheit scale may be better suited for some everyday temperature applications where a finer degree of measurement is desired. Ultimately, the choice of temperature scale depends on the specific application and context, with the Celsius scale being the more widely adopted and internationally recognized standard.

Related terms

Absolute Zero: The lowest possible temperature, equal to -273.15°C or -459.67°F, at which molecular motion ceases.

Fahrenheit Scale: Another temperature scale that measures temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F), where the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point is 212°F.

Kelvin Scale: An absolute temperature scale that measures temperature in Kelvin (K), where 0 K represents absolute zero and the freezing point of water is 273.15 K.