Understanding Temperature Scales
Temperature is a measure of thermal energy. Different regions and scientific fields use different scales to measure it. While most of the world uses Celsius, the United States relies on Fahrenheit, while scientists use Kelvin or Rankine.
Celsius (°C)
The standard scale for most of the world and scientific use outside of thermodynamics. It defines 0° as the freezing point of water and 100° as the boiling point of water at sea level.
Fahrenheit (°F)
Used primarily in the United States. It defines 32° as the freezing point of water and 212° as the boiling point. Fahrenheit degrees are smaller than Celsius degrees, allowing for more precise integers in daily weather reporting.
Kelvin (K) & Rankine (°R)
These are Absolute Temperature scales, meaning they start at absolute zero (the theoretical lowest possible temperature). Kelvin is used with Celsius logic, while Rankine is used with Fahrenheit logic.
- Kelvin: Does not use degrees symbol (e.g., just 300 K). Used in physics and chemistry.
- Rankine: Used in some engineering thermodynamics applications in the US.