Celsius vs. Fahrenheit: Key Differences and Conversion Tips
Celsius scale is also called the centigrade scale. Celsius scale definition can be given as the temperature scale based on 100° for the boiling point, and 0° for the freezing point of water. This scale was first introduced and is named after by the Swedish Physicist, Engineer, and Astronomer, Anders Celsius.
Initially, the celsius scale was used at 0° to denote the boiling point of water and 1000° to denote the freezing point of water. Later, these values were inverted to 0° for the freezing point and 100° for the boiling point of water. This type of the celsius scale gained widespread use.
Notes on Celsius Scale
Celsius temperatures follow either a system of a relative interval or scale, rather than an absolute system of ratio or scale. The Ratio scale type includes the ones used for the calculation of weight or distance. For suppose, when the mass is doubled (let us say from 10 kg to 20 kg), usually, it is accompanied by an increase in volume, which values for twice the amount of matter. The increased level in this amount of matter from 10 kg to 20 kg is similar to the increase in the amount of matter running from 50 kg to 60 kg.
However, it is also important to make a note that the Celsius scale does not work with heat energy in this mode. The disparity between 10°C and 20°C to that of between 20°C and 30°C is only 10° because a temperature of 20°C does not have two times of heat energy that is exerted by a temperature of 10°C.
The Modern Celsius Scale
Modern Celsius scale is also referred to be based on the triple point of Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water, and on the concept of absolute zero as well. This implies that neither the boiling point nor the melting point of water describes the modern celsius scale.
It is to make a note that the differences arise between the formal and common definitions of the celsius scale can be considered to be insignificant when it comes to practical settings. It should also remember that there exists a difference of only 16.1 millikelvins between the modern scales calculation of the boiling point of water to that of the original scales calculation.
Centigrade versus Celsius
Since the 19th century, the worldwide thermometry and scientific communities have used the term "centigrade scale," and often temperatures were reported simply as "degrees" or, as "degrees centigrade," when greater specificity was desired, with the symbol °C.
However, the term centigrade was also used in the French and Spanish language as an angular measurement unit (which is 1/100 of a right angle), with a similar connotation in other languages. The term gradient or centesimal degree ("gon" or "grad": 1ᵍ = 0.9°, 100ᵍ = 90°) was used when an unambiguous language was needed by the international standards bodies like the BIPM. Properly, it would more now be called "hectograde."
To get rid of the confusion between the unit of angular measurement and unit of temperature, the 9th meeting of the General Conference on Weights & Measures and the Comite International des Poids et Mesures adopted the "degree Celsius" formally in 1948 for the degree of temperature, and keeping the recognized degree symbol (°), rather than adopting the centesimal or gradian degree symbol (gon or ᵍ).
Usually, for scientific use, "Celsius" is the term used, but in English-speaking countries, "centigrade" remains a common use, especially in informal contexts. It was not even until February 1985, where the weather forecasts issued by the BBC had switched the term from "centigrade" to "Celsius."
Differences between the Celsius Scale vs. Fahrenheit Scale
Let us discuss the key differences between the Celsius scale and the Fahrenheit Scale tabulated below:
FAQs on What is the Celsius Scale?
1. What is the Celsius scale?
The Celsius scale is a temperature scale where 0°C is defined as the freezing point of water and 100°C is defined as the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. Developed by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, it is widely used in science and by most countries around the world due to its straightforward 100-degree interval between these key points.
2. How do you convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
To convert a temperature from degrees Celsius (°C) to degrees Fahrenheit (°F), you use the following formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. For example, to convert a room temperature of 20°C to Fahrenheit, you would calculate (20 × 9/5) + 32, which equals 36 + 32 = 68°F.
3. What are the key differences between the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales?
The primary differences between the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales lie in their reference points and the size of their degree intervals. Key differences include:
- Freezing Point of Water: 0° on the Celsius scale, but 32° on the Fahrenheit scale.
- Boiling Point of Water: 100° on the Celsius scale, but 212° on the Fahrenheit scale.
- Scale Interval: The Celsius scale has 100 degrees between freezing and boiling, while the Fahrenheit scale has 180 degrees, making a Fahrenheit degree smaller than a Celsius degree.
4. What does a negative temperature like -10°C signify?
A negative temperature on the Celsius scale indicates a temperature that is below the freezing point of water (0°C). For instance, -10°C means the temperature is 10 degrees colder than the point at which water turns to ice. Such temperatures are common in freezers or during winter in cold climates.
5. What are some common real-world temperatures measured in Celsius?
Understanding Celsius is easier with everyday examples. Some common reference temperatures are:
- Water freezes at 0°C.
- A cool day is around 10°C.
- A comfortable room temperature is about 20-25°C.
- Normal human body temperature is approximately 37°C.
- Water boils at 100°C (at sea level).
6. Is the Celsius scale the same as the Centigrade scale?
While often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference. The term 'Centigrade' comes from Latin for '100 steps,' referring to the 100-degree interval between water's freezing and boiling points. The modern Celsius scale is now officially defined based on the Kelvin scale and absolute zero (0 K). For all practical purposes in school-level science, however, you can consider them to be the same.
7. Why is the Celsius scale so important in science?
The Celsius scale is crucial in science for several reasons. Its decimal-based system (0 to 100 for water) is simple and aligns with the metric system. Most importantly, it has a direct and easy relationship with the Kelvin (K) scale, the official SI unit of temperature used in scientific equations. The size of one degree Celsius is exactly equal to one kelvin, making conversions for thermodynamic calculations straightforward (K = °C + 273.15).
8. Why was water chosen as the basis for defining the Celsius scale?
Water was chosen as the reference substance for the Celsius scale because its freezing and boiling points are highly stable, consistent, and easily reproducible under standard atmospheric pressure. Since water is universally available, these fixed points provided a reliable and practical standard that scientists anywhere in the world could use to calibrate their thermometers accurately.
