Question

The hottest temperature ever recorded on the surface of the earth was \(136^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\) in Libya in 1922 . What is the temperature in degrees Celsius and in kelvins?

Short answer

58°C, 331 K

Step-by-step solution

Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

To convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: \( C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32) \). We are given \( F = 136^{\circ} \). Plug in this value: \( C = \frac{5}{9}(136 - 32) \). Calculate \( 136 - 32 = 104 \). Hence, \( C = \frac{5}{9} \times 104 \). Dividing 104 by 9 gives approximately 11.56 and multiplying that by 5 gives \( C \approx 57.78^{\circ} \). Thus, the temperature in Celsius is approximately \( 58^{\circ} \).

Convert Celsius to Kelvin

To convert from Celsius to Kelvin, use the formula: \( K = C + 273.15 \). From Step 1, we have \( C \approx 57.78 \). Therefore, \( K = 57.78 + 273.15 = 330.93 \). So the temperature in Kelvins is approximately 331 K.

Key concepts

Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion

Converting temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius involves using the precise formula \[ C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32) \]. This formula might look complex, but it breaks down into simple steps. First, take the temperature in Fahrenheit and subtract 32. This adjusts for the zero point difference between the two scales. Then, multiply the result by \(\frac{5}{9}\). This scaling factor accounts for the different sizes of degrees on the respective scales. Although Fahrenheit degrees are more precise, Celsius degrees are larger.For example, let's convert a toasty 136°F:

• Subtract 32 from 136 to get 104.
• Multiply this by \(\frac{5}{9}\), giving approximately 57.78°C.

Thus, 136°F corresponds to about 58°C. Keep this conversion method handy as it's essential for many scientific and real-world applications around the globe.

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion

Converting from Celsius to Kelvin is a breeze since the two scales are directly related by a simple shift. The Kelvin scale is just the Celsius scale shifted by 273.15 degrees, which is essential for absolute temperature measurements often used in scientific contexts. To convert Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature, aligning both scales. For instance, with the previously calculated 57.78°C from our Fahrenheit conversion, the Kelvin equivalent is:

• 57.78°C + 273.15 = 330.93 K

Thus, 58°C approximately converts to 331 K. It's critical to remember that the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, making it ideal for scientific research and thermodynamic calculations.

Temperature Calculations in Everyday Scenarios

Understanding temperature conversions is very practical, whether you're cooking, traveling, or involved in science.Becoming comfortable with converting between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin deepens your insight into how temperatures function in different contexts.When dealing with extreme temperatures, such as the earth's hottest recorded temperature in Libya, easy conversions allow us to comprehend these values more universally.Here’s a simple breakdown:

• To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the temperature adjustment \(32\) and scaling factor \(\frac{5}{9}\).
• To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15 to adjust for absolute zero.

These conversions help us to prepare for travel or understand scientific problems with more confidence. Whether you're reading a thermoscope's findings in a science lab or adjusting your oven settings for a recipe, being conversant in these calculations might just come in handy!