Temperature and Thermometers
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to measure temperature using different temperature scales
- Students will be able to explain temperature as a measure of average kinetic energy
- Students will be able to convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin scales
Core Concepts
- average_kinetic_energy
- thermometer
- celsius_scale
- fahrenheit_scale
- kelvin_scale
- thermal_contact
Formulas
$$^\circ\text{C} = (^\circ\text{F} - 32) \times \frac{5}{9}$$
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
$$K = \,^\circ\text{C} + 273.15$$
Convert Celsius to Kelvin
$$T(\text{K}) = t(^\circ\text{C}) + 273.15$$
Direct conversion to absolute temperature
Units
| kelvin | K |
| degree celsius | °C |
| degree fahrenheit | °F |
Interesting Fact
The Kelvin scale has the same degree size as Celsius but starts at absolute zero, making it ideal for scientific calculations
Key Scientist
Lord Kelvin (William Thomson)
Developed the absolute temperature scale (Kelvin scale)
Modern Research
Cryogenic physics explores temperatures approaching absolute zero, revealing quantum phenomena like superconductivity and superfluidity.
Want to truly master this? Try the interactive lesson!
Start Lesson