Question

Explain how you could experimentally determine whether the outside temperature is higher or lower than 0 °C (32 °F) without using a thermometer.

Short answer

We can determine the temperature by performing a simple experiment with a glass of water. If the water in the glass freezes at the temperature in the room, we can conclude that the temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F). The temperature at which water freezes is 0 °C (32 °F). 0 °C (32 °F) is the freezing point of water. If the water doesn’t freeze, then the temperature is not 0 °C (32 °F) or less.

Step-by-step solution

Experimental evaluation:

Let’s take 2 glasses and name them A and B. Now fill A with room temperature water and glass B with freezing water. And place them in the room for evaluation.

Temperature determination:

Now, if the water in glass A starts to freeze and the water in glass B does not show any change, then the temperature is 0 °C (32 °F) or less. If the water in glass A does not freeze and the water in glass B starts to melt, the temperature is more than 0 °C (32 °F).