Degree Celsius

Definition

The degree Celsius (°C) is a unit of temperature on the Celsius scale, where 0°C is the freezing point of water and 100°C is its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. It is used widely in most scientific contexts for measuring temperature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Celsius scale is also known as the centigrade scale.
2. The Kelvin scale, used in thermodynamics, can be directly converted from Celsius by adding 273.15.
3. Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric conditions.
4. Celsius temperatures can be converted to Fahrenheit using the formula: $T(°F) = T(°C) \times \frac{9}{5} + 32$.
5. Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer, proposed the Celsius scale in 1742.

Review Questions

• What are the freezing and boiling points of water on the Celsius scale?
• How do you convert a temperature from degrees Celsius to Kelvin?
• Who proposed the Celsius temperature scale and in which year?

Related terms

Kelvin:

A unit of temperature measurement in the International System of Units (SI), where absolute zero (0 K) is the theoretical absence of all thermal energy. One Kelvin equals one degree Celsius incrementally.

Thermometer:

An instrument used to measure temperature. Common types include liquid-in-glass thermometers, thermocouples, and digital thermometers.

Fahrenheit:

A temperature scale where water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. Commonly used in the United States for weather forecasts and cooking.