Make the following conversions: (e) 721 K to °F

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the formula to convert temperature from Kelvin (K) to Fahrenheit (F). The formula is: \( F = \frac{9}{5} (K - 273.15) + 32 \).
2. Subtract 273.15 from the given Kelvin temperature to convert it to Celsius. This step adjusts the Kelvin scale to the Celsius scale, where 0°C corresponds to 273.15 K.
3. Multiply the result from the previous step by \( \frac{9}{5} \). This conversion factor adjusts the Celsius scale to the Fahrenheit scale, reflecting the different intervals between degree units in each scale.
4. Add 32 to the result from the previous step. This step accounts for the offset between the zero points of the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales, where 0°C corresponds to 32°F.
5. The final result gives you the temperature in Fahrenheit. This value represents the same temperature as originally given in Kelvin, but expressed in Fahrenheit units.

Key Concepts

Temperature Scales

Temperature can be measured in different scales, primarily Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K). Each scale has its own zero point and increments. Understanding these scales is crucial for converting temperatures accurately, as they are used in various scientific and everyday contexts.

Kelvin to Fahrenheit Conversion

To convert a temperature from Kelvin to Fahrenheit, the formula used is F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32. This formula accounts for the differences in the zero points and scaling between the two temperature systems, allowing for accurate conversion from the absolute temperature scale (Kelvin) to the more commonly used Fahrenheit scale.

Absolute Zero

Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which a system's entropy reaches its minimum value, defined as 0 K or -273.15 °C. This concept is fundamental in thermodynamics and provides a reference point for the Kelvin scale, emphasizing the significance of temperature in physical processes and the behavior of matter.