Temperature Scales & Thermometers

Understanding Temperature Scales

Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is. There are different scales to measure temperature, and the two most common ones are:

• Celsius Scale (°C): This scale is widely used around the world. Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric conditions.
• Absolute Scale (Kelvin, K): This scale starts at absolute zero, the theoretical point where particles have minimum thermal motion. The freezing point of water is 273.15 K, and the boiling point is 373.15 K.

To convert between Celsius and Kelvin:

• From Celsius to Kelvin: $$K = °C + 273.15$$
• From Kelvin to Celsius: $$°C = K - 273.15$$

Types of Thermometers

Thermometers are devices used to measure temperature. Here are some common types:

• Maximum and Minimum Thermometer: Used to record the highest and lowest temperatures over a period of time. It is often used in weather stations.
• Clinical Thermometer: Designed for measuring human body temperature. It usually has a range from 35°C to 42°C.
• Pyrometer: Used to measure very high temperatures, typically in furnaces or kilns. It often uses infrared radiation to determine temperature.

Worked Example: Converting Celsius to Kelvin

 

Worked Example: Converting Kelvin to Celsius