The temperature on the surface of the Sun is 5778 K. What is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit? (LO 1.6) (d) 9941 °F

Verified step by step guidance

1. Start by converting the temperature from Kelvin to Celsius using the formula: \( T_{\text{C}} = T_{\text{K}} - 273.15 \).
2. Substitute the given temperature in Kelvin (5778 K) into the formula to find the temperature in Celsius.
3. Next, convert the temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit using the formula: \( T_{\text{F}} = \frac{9}{5}T_{\text{C}} + 32 \).
4. Substitute the calculated Celsius temperature into the Fahrenheit conversion formula.
5. Simplify the expression to find the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Key Concepts

Temperature Scales

Temperature can be measured in different scales, with Kelvin (K), Celsius (°C), and Fahrenheit (°F) being the most common. Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, while Celsius and Fahrenheit are relative scales based on the freezing and boiling points of water. Understanding how to convert between these scales is essential for solving temperature-related problems.

Conversion Formulas

To convert temperatures from Kelvin to Fahrenheit, a specific formula is used: °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32. This formula accounts for the differences in the zero points and scaling factors of the Kelvin and Fahrenheit systems. Mastery of these conversion formulas is crucial for accurately translating temperature values across different scales.

Scientific Notation and Significant Figures

In scientific contexts, it is important to express numbers in a way that reflects their precision, often using significant figures. When performing calculations, such as temperature conversions, the number of significant figures in the original measurement should be maintained in the final result. This ensures that the answer is both accurate and meaningful in the context of the data provided.