Thermometric scales are fundamental tools for measuring temperature, a very important parameter that allows us to know temperature variations in an understandable and standardized way.
In Italy, for example, the most commonly used thermometric scale is the Celsius scale, but there are also other scales that are used in different parts of the world and in different contexts.
In this article we will therefore learn about them in more depth and answer various questions about them.
What are the types of Degrees?
In the international system (SI), the unit of temperature is the degree Celsius (°C), but this is not the only one used, there are in fact different thermometric scales, each with its own measurement system.
In fact, there are the Kelvin scale and the Fahrenheit scale, the first is used in the international system for scientific measurements, and is closely linked to the Celsius scale while the Fahrenheit scale is used in the United States as a method for measuring temperature.
More specifically, the Kelvin scale is used mainly in scientific and thermodynamic fields and is based on absolute temperature, placing absolute zero at 0 Kelvin (-273.15 degrees Celsius). This scale is particularly useful when it comes to studying physical phenomena at low temperatures.
Find out more about the Kelvin scale in this article!
Regarding the Fahrenheit scale, continue reading because we will explain how it was born and how to convert it with a simple formula into degrees Celsius.
Why are there different types of thermometric scales?
The reason why different types of scales exist is the result of historical, cultural and scientific choices, because each of these scales has its points of reference and are more suitable in certain fields rather than others.
For example, the Kelvin scale is used in thermodynamics and physics, as it is based on absolute temperature and provides positive values with no lower limits.
What is the thermometric scale called in Italy?
In Italy, the most widespread thermometric scale is the Celsius scale, named in honor of the Swedish physicist Anders Celsius, who proposed this scale in 1742. The Celsius scale is then commonly used both in scientific and everyday fields, and is a metric system that reflects practicality and adaptability in various contexts.
In fact, the Celsius scale offers a coherent system, adapted to the International System of Units, and provides standard and practical references to represent temperature variations. Its adoption not only in Italy but in various parts of the world simplifies international communications relating to temperatures.
Why does the Celsius Scale have both positive and negative values?
The Celsius scale has both positive and negative values because it was designed to reflect temperature in a practical and functional way, including a temperature range that covers a wide range of climate conditions. The choice therefore to include negative values on the Celsius scale is linked to the harsher winter weather conditions, common in many regions of the world.
What is the Fahrenheit thermometric scale and who uses it?
The Fahrenheit scale is one of the thermometric scales that exist and is widely used in the United States for measuring ambient temperature. It was then first proposed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724 and unlike the Celsius scale, which is based on centesimal divisions, the Fahrenheit scale uses smaller divisions.
It may therefore seem more complex than the Celsius scale, but the truth is that the Fahrenheit scale offers greater accuracy in daily temperature readings.
For example, perceived temperature changes are smaller in Fahrenheit than in Celsius, which allows for a more detailed representation of heat variations.
The range of the Fahrenheit scale is then wider, covering a wide range of temperatures. In fact, the freezing point at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F provide a range of 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is broken down in more detail than the Celsius scale.
How to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius can be done using the following formula:
C= F - 32 / 1.8
where C is the temperature in degrees Celsius and F is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
So to give an example, 68°F is equivalent to 20°C with the above formula.
In conclusion, thermometric scales play a fundamental role in our understanding and measurement of temperature. The Celsius scale is the most widespread in Italy, while the Fahrenheit scale is still widely used in the United States. The Kelvin scale has specialized applications in the scientific field. Regardless of the scale used, these measurements allow us to navigate and understand the vast world of temperatures around us.
Written by Alice Pruccoli