SM0486
3.
TEMPERATURE SCALES AND THERMOMETERS
a. Temperature is a measure of the intensity of heat. Temperature indicates
the thermal state of a body and its ability to transfer heat to other bodies or
objects. We know that heat is present, or transferred, if we can measure it. The
measurement of heat requires the use of scales and measurement devices.
b. Temperature Scales. Temperature measurements have been made possible with
the use of scales such as those in figure 3. Figure 3 shows the relationships of
some of the temperature scales used in heat intensity measurements.
Note the
difference in value for the freezing and boiling points of water on the different
scales.
Figure 3.
Common thermometer scales.
(1) Temperatures for the most common of the scales shown in figure 3
(centigrade and Fahrenheit) can be converted from one scale to another by means of
a simple proportion:
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