Highest useful Fahrenheit temperature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the usefulness of converting high temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit, particularly in contexts such as energy storage. Participants explore the relevance of Fahrenheit in various industries and whether there are practical applications for high-temperature measurements in Fahrenheit.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the utility of Fahrenheit conversions for high temperatures, suggesting that most industries do not require Fahrenheit for temperatures above 500°F.
  • Others argue that Fahrenheit may still be relevant for those unfamiliar with Celsius, particularly in the domestic USA.
  • A participant notes that scientific papers typically use metric units, implying that Fahrenheit is less relevant in scientific contexts.
  • Some express that Fahrenheit should only be used within a limited range, suggesting that outside of -40°F to 1000°F, it loses its practicality.
  • One participant mentions that certain industries, like power plants, use Fahrenheit for temperatures exceeding 4000°F, indicating that there are specific applications where Fahrenheit is still in use.
  • There is a discussion about the emotional and cultural associations people have with temperature scales, which may influence their preference for Fahrenheit or Celsius.
  • Some participants propose that the conversation should shift to using Kelvin for scientific discussions at high temperatures.
  • Concerns are raised about the public's resistance to adopting metric units, with references to historical attempts to switch to metric in the USA.
  • A participant critiques the irrationality of time units, suggesting a need for a more rational system based on powers of ten.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the usefulness of Fahrenheit for high temperatures. There are multiple competing views regarding its relevance in different contexts, particularly between scientific and domestic applications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the necessity of Fahrenheit in scientific communication, while others highlight its cultural significance in the USA. The discussion also touches on the historical context of unit adoption and public perception of temperature scales.

  • #31
anorlunda said:
I regret the hijack.
Apologies for aiding and abetting.
 
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  • #32
anorlunda said:
The association of numbers with feelings depends of memories of past days; usually from childhood. It will be 90 today.
I will add my usual plea for the preservation of the Fahrenheit scale . It is actually defined on humanist values. We are creatures made of saline solution. We will freeze solid at 0F We will be unpleasantly hot at 100F because we optimize at 98.6F. A good temperature is 70F...it is a passing score...
There is nothing to recommend the celsius scale except ubiquity.
We represent a last bastion of Temperature Sanity on the planet.
Fahrenheit Forever.
 
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  • #33
Strato Incendus said:
Degrees Celsius seemed to be the way to go initially, as it's more widely used; however, in space it does indeed make more sense to go with Kelvin, which will be equally novel for most people on board.
I'd really question this. Even on a spaceship, the majority of measurements of temperature made would be of things related to human survival, not how cold it is outside.
 
  • #34
hutchphd said:
We are creatures made of saline solution. We will freeze solid at 0F We will be unpleasantly hot at 100F because we optimize at 98.6F. A good temperature is 70F...it is a passing score...
Of all things, man is the measure. - Protagoras
 
  • #35
DaveC426913 said:
Says the guy who just said ... er ... Hookle? :oldbiggrin:
You'll need to understand what this really means. Not directly telling, but I would cut the character size to 4, and the characters number 3 and number 4 are identical consonants. Your expected human intelligence, and enough familiarity with English will help you see what "Hoockle" was meant to be. Not absolutely clear how was the seriousness of your comment.
 
  • #36
hutchphd said:
I will add my usual plea for the preservation of the Fahrenheit scale . It is actually defined on humanist values. We are creatures made of saline solution. We will freeze solid at 0F We will be unpleasantly hot at 100F because we optimize at 98.6F. A good temperature is 70F...it is a passing score...
There is nothing to recommend the celsius scale except ubiquity.
We represent a last bastion of Temperature Sanity on the planet.
Fahrenheit Forever.
Time is now to read about the development of the Fahrenheit Scale. Decide on each's own how much sense that makes. Celsius scale is based on water's freeze-melt point and boil point.
 
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  • #37
symbolipoint said:
Not absolutely clear how was the seriousness of your comment.
Well, I Googled it and it didn't even show up in Urban Dictionary, so colour me stumped. (Aren't you an Ozzie or something? :wink: )
 
  • #38
symbolipoint said:
symbolipoint said:
You'll need to understand what this really means. Not directly telling, but I would cut the character size to 4, and the characters number 3 and number 4 are identical consonants. Your expected human intelligence, and enough familiarity with English will help you see what "Hoockle" was meant to be. Not absolutely clear how was the seriousness of your comment.

Decide if you are or are not in favor of effective communication.
Well I think I’ve chosen the opposite of you.
 
  • #39
Thread is locked for Mentor review...
 
  • #40
Thread closed.
 
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