Boiling Water Temp: Celsius vs. Fahrenheit

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves comparing temperature readings from Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers when immersed in boiling water. The specific scenario examines the temperature drop until the Fahrenheit thermometer reads 140°F, and participants are tasked with determining the corresponding change in Celsius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion formulas between Celsius and Fahrenheit, noting the relationship between temperature changes in both scales. Some question how to accurately convert the temperature drop from Fahrenheit to Celsius, while others suggest converting all temperatures to Celsius first for clarity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to the temperature conversion problem. Some have provided insights into the conversion formulas, while others are still grappling with the implications of the temperature change and how it translates between the two scales.

Contextual Notes

There is a repeated emphasis on the importance of understanding the conversion formulas and the specific values associated with freezing and boiling points of water in both temperature scales. Participants are also reflecting on the choices provided in the original problem statement.

Foehammer
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Homework Statement


A Celsius and a Fahrenheit thermometer are dipped in boiling water. The temperature of the water is brought down until the Fahrenheit thermometer reads 140°. So, the fall in temperature registered by Celsius scale is:
30
40
50
80

Homework Equations


F=(C*(9/5))+32
C=(F-32)*(5/9)

The Attempt at a Solution


Boiling water is 212 F. 212-140=72.
Convert 72 F to C and I get 22.223 C.
My answer doesn't match any of the choices.
 
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If F=1.8C+32

Then F1=1.8C1+32
and F2=1.8C2+32

So you change in F, F2-F1= ? (write in terms of the formula and you'll see that the change in F can't be converted to C using the standard formula).

Alternatively, convert everything to C first.
 
rock.freak667 said:
If F=1.8C+32

Then F1=1.8C1+32
and F2=1.8C2+32

So you change in F, F2-F1= ? (write in terms of the formula and you'll see that the change in F can't be converted to C using the standard formula).

Alternatively, convert everything to C first.

Got it. Thanks a lot!
 
Foehammer said:

Homework Statement


A Celsius and a Fahrenheit thermometer are dipped in boiling water. The temperature of the water is brought down until the Fahrenheit thermometer reads 140°. So, the fall in temperature registered by Celsius scale is:
30
40
50
80

Homework Equations


F=(C*(9/5))+32
C=(F-32)*(5/9)

The Attempt at a Solution


Boiling water is 212 F. 212-140=72.
Convert 72 F to C and I get 22.223 C.
My answer doesn't match any of the choices.

The reason '32' appears in these temperature conversion formulas is that in the Celsius scale, water freezes at 0 C, while this occurs at 32 F on the Fahrenheit scale. Between freezing and boiling, there are 180 Fahrenheit degrees and 100 Celsius degrees, so each Celsius degree is 180/100, or 9/5 Fahrenheit degrees.
 

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