Question about AMU & Temp. Conversions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of atomic mass units (AMU) and temperature conversions between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Participants explore the definitions and calculations related to these topics, including the basis for AMU and the mathematical nuances of temperature conversion formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the definition of AMU, noting that while it is often said to be based on the weight of a proton, there is confusion regarding the specific value assigned to it.
  • Another participant explains that the AMU is based on carbon-12, which is defined as 12.00 amu, and mentions the historical context of oxygen's value in the AMU system.
  • A participant raises a concern about the temperature conversion formula from Fahrenheit to Celsius, specifically regarding the calculation that leads to a discrepancy when converting -40 degrees.
  • There is a mention of the mathematical process involved in the conversion and a suggestion that using modern fraction notation may be preferable to avoid confusion with decimal notation.
  • One participant humorously references the idea that very small decimal values might be equivalent to one, indicating a playful engagement with the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and correctness of the temperature conversion process, with no consensus reached on the best method to approach the calculations. The discussion on AMU also reflects some uncertainty regarding its definition and basis.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential mathematical pitfalls in temperature conversion and the importance of notation in calculations, but do not resolve the discrepancies noted in the conversion process.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying chemistry, physics, or mathematics, particularly in relation to measurement units and temperature conversions.

Euphoriet
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AMU
So... I'm wondering what the measurement of an AMU (atomic mass unit) is... I mean.. I've heard it's really the weight of a proton but then I'm told the proton's weight is actually 1.0073 amu.. so what is the amu based on then?

btw: how do you pronounce a decimal number such as ... .0007 or .0000009?

Thanks.


ALSO...

I was reviewing diff temp conversion and the "formulas" for them... I noticed something that kind of made me stop for a second...

(F - 32ºF) x (5ºC/9ºF) = C


Now.. knowing how both temps are the same at -40º, I worked it out and it doesn't quite work when it's done like this:


-40 - 32 = -72

now take 5/9 = .555555etc...

that means it can't possibly be -40 but instead around 39.999 or something...

Now.. if you instead cross multiple and simplify the 72 into an 8 and the 9 into a 1 then you get:

-8 x 5/1 = -40

My problem clearly is mathematical... so I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong.. and why with the two "valid" methods there is a difference, small but there's one.

I hope it's not some theory of how .999999999999999999999 is technically one.
 
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Hello

Your first question is about carbon's 12-based amu system. If you look for carbon, you'll see that it is 12.00 amu, where its previous partner, oxygen, is 15.999 (formerly it was used as a standard to be 16.00).

English is not my native language, so I don't know how to pronounce it. However, very small numbers like 0.000000000007 or 0.0000000000009 could be expressed by scientific means; the former becomes 7E-12 (or 7x10-12), and the latter becomes 9E-13 (or 9x10-13).

Fahrenheit-Celsius conversion is very simple; the crucial thing here is that fahrenheit scale consists of 180 parts, while celsius has 100. Melting of ice is 0°C in celsius, but 32°F in fahrenheit, whereas boiling of water is 100°C in celsius, while 180°F in fahrenheit.

If you want to convert a temperature given in Fahrenheit to Celsius, simply subtract 32 from the number, multiply by 100, and finally divide to 180. The ratio 5/9 is actually 100/180.

I haven't heard of "same temperatures in both scales", so let's try it:

[tex]x=\frac {(x-32)*5}{9}; 9x=5x-160; 4x=-160; x=-40[/tex]
 
Euphoriet said:
I hope it's not some theory of how .999999999999999999999 is technically one.

Lasciate ogni speranza :)


Chemical calculators for labs and education
BATE - pH calculations, titration curves, hydrolisis
 
You should always the modern fraction notation and not use decimal notation in intermediary steps,unless u use the [itex]\approx,\simeq[/itex] signs...

Daniel.
 

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