Question

What are the freezing and boiling temperatures of water in degrees Celsius, kelvins, and degrees Fahrenheit?

Short answer

Water freezes at 0°C, 273.15 K, 32°F and boils at 100°C, 373.15 K, 212°F.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Temperature Scales

In this problem, we need to find the freezing and boiling points of water using three different temperature scales: Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit. The freezing and boiling points are fundamental fixed points for each scale.

Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water. Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. These are the standard reference points used worldwide.

Kelvin Scale

The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting from absolute zero. To convert from Celsius to Kelvin, use the formula: \[K = °C + 273.15\]Thus, water freezes at \[273.15 ext{ K} = 0°C + 273.15\] and boils at \[373.15 ext{ K} = 100°C + 273.15\].

Fahrenheit Scale

The Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F. These are the traditional reference points used in the United States.The conversion formulas to obtain Fahrenheit from Celsius are: \[°F = °C imes \frac{9}{5} + 32\]Using this, 0°C converts to \[32°F = 0 imes \frac{9}{5} + 32 \] and 100°C converts to \[212°F = 100 imes \frac{9}{5} + 32\].

Key concepts

Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale is one of the most common temperature scales used around the world. Designed by Anders Celsius in the 18th century, this scale simplifies understanding by setting clear reference points. Water, a fundamental substance we're all familiar with, marks these important thresholds:

- **Freezing point of water**: 0°C. This is where water transitions from liquid to solid state.
- **Boiling point of water**: 100°C. This occurs when water changes from liquid to gas.

This scale is widely used in scientific contexts and in day-to-day weather forecasts outside the United States. One major advantage is its flexibility and ease of conversion to other scales, like Kelvin.

Kelvin Scale

The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale used mainly in scientific fields. It begins at absolute zero, which is the theoretical point where particles have minimal thermal motion. The Kelvin scale uses the same interval as the Celsius scale, making conversions straightforward:

- **Freezing point of water**: 273.15 K (0°C + 273.15)
- **Boiling point of water**: 373.15 K (100°C + 273.15)

Why is this scale important? Unlike other scales, Kelvin doesn't use degrees. It offers an understanding of temperature changes without reference to physical phenomena like freezing or boiling. This absoluteness allows scientists to measure extreme temperatures accurately. It also simplifies many scientific calculations by dealing with absolute values.

Fahrenheit Scale

Unique to the United States and a few other countries, the Fahrenheit scale is widespread in everyday life. Developed by Daniel Fahrenheit, this scale defines its freezing and boiling points at different numbers than its Celsius counterpart:

- **Freezing point of water**: 32°F
- **Boiling point of water**: 212°F

Formulas are available for easy conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit:
\(°F = °C \times \frac{9}{5} + 32\)
Understanding this conversion is essential when dealing with temperature changes, especially when traveling or working in multicultural environments. Despite being less commonly used in scientific work compared to Celsius and Kelvin, Fahrenheit remains integral to daily life for many Americans, influencing everything from cooking to weather reporting.