Chapter 2

Energy and Matter

2.3
Temperature Conversions

Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Temperature
Temperature

is a measure of how hot or cold an

object is compared to another object.

indicates that heat flows from the

object with a higher temperature to
the object with a lower temperature.

is measured using a thermometer.

Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Temperature Scales
Temperature
Scales

are Fahrenheit,
Celsius, and
Kelvin.

have reference
points for the
boiling and
freezing points
of water.

Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Learning Check
A. What is the temperature of freezing water?
1) 0F
2) 0C
3) 0 K
B. What is the temperature of boiling water?
1) 100F
2) 32F
3) 373 K
C. How many Celsius units are between the boiling and
freezing points of water?
1) 100
2) 180
3) 273

Solution
A. What is the temperature of freezing water?
2) 0C
B. What is the temperature of boiling water?
3) 373 K
C. How many Celsius units are between the boiling and
freezing points of water?
1) 100

Fahrenheit Formula

On the Fahrenheit scale, there are 180F between the

freezing and boiling points and on the Celsius scale,
there are 100C.
180F =
9F =
1.8F
100C
5C
1C
In the formula for the Fahrenheit temperature, adding
32 adjusts the zero point of water from 0C to 32F.
TF

= 9/5 TC + 32

TF

= 1.8 TC + 32

or

Celsius Formula

TC is obtained by rearranging the equation for TF.

TF =

1.8TC + 32

Subtract 32 from both sides.

TF - 32

1.8TC ( +32 - 32)

TF - 32

1.8TC

Divide by 1.8 = F - 32
1.8
TF - 32
=
TC
1.8

= 1.8 TC
1.8

Solving A Temperature Problem

A person with hypothermia has a
body temperature of 34.8C.
What is that temperature in F?
TF

= 1.8 TC + 32

TF = 1.8 (34.8C)
exact

tenth's

+ 32
exact

= 62.6 + 32
= 94.6F
tenths

Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Learning Check
The normal temperature of a chickadee is 105.8F.
What is that temperature on the Celsius scale?
1) 73.8C
2) 58.8C
3) 41.0C

Solution
3) 41.0 C
TC

(TF - 32)
1.8

(105.8 - 32)
1.8

73.8F
1.8

41.0C

10

Learning Check
A pepperoni pizza is baked at 455F. What
temperature is needed on the Celsius scale?
1) 423C
2) 235C
3) 221C

11

Solution
A pepperoni pizza is baked at 455F. What temperature
is needed on the Celsius scale?
2) 235C
TF - 32
1.8

= TC

(455 - 32)
1.8

= 235C

12

Learning Check
On a cold winter day, the temperature is 15C.
What is that temperature in F?
1) 19F
2) 59F
3) 5F

13

Solution
3) 5F
TF = 1.8 TC + 32
TF = 1.8(15C) + 32
= 27 + 32
= 5F
Note: Be sure to use the change sign key on your
calculator to enter the minus sign.
1.8 x 15 +/ = 27

14

Kelvin Temperature Scale

The Kelvin temperature scale
has 100 units between the freezing and boiling points
of water.
100 K = 100C
or
1 K = 1C

is obtained by adding 273 to the Celsius temperature.

TK
= TC + 273

contains the lowest possible temperature, absolute

zero (0 K).
0K
= 273C
15

Temperatures
TABLE 2.5

16

Learning Check
What is normal body temperature of 37C in Kelvins?
1) 236 K
2) 310. K
3) 342 K

17

Solution
What is normal body temperature of 37C in kelvins?
2) 310. K
TK

= TC + 273
= 37C + 273
= 310. K

18