Make the following conversions: a. 72 °F to °C

Verified step by step guidance

1. Start with the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: \( C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32) \)
2. Substitute the given Fahrenheit temperature (72 °F) into the formula: \( C = \frac{5}{9}(72 - 32) \)
3. Calculate the difference inside the parentheses: \( 72 - 32 = 40 \)
4. Multiply the result by \( \frac{5}{9} \): \( C = \frac{5}{9} \times 40 \)
5. Simplify the expression to find the temperature in Celsius.

Key Concepts

Temperature Scales

Temperature can be measured using different scales, primarily Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K). Each scale has its own zero point and degree increments. Understanding these scales is essential for converting temperatures from one to another, as they are based on different reference points.

Conversion Formula

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, the formula used is °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. This formula accounts for the difference in the freezing and boiling points of water on the two scales, allowing for accurate temperature conversion. Mastery of this formula is crucial for solving temperature conversion problems.

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. When performing calculations, such as temperature conversions, it is important to maintain the correct number of significant figures to ensure the accuracy of the result. This concept is vital in scientific measurements and calculations.