The temperature on the surface of the Sun is 5778 K. What is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit? (LO 1.6) (b) 3040 °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. Perform the arithmetic operations to find the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Key Concepts

Temperature Scales

Temperature can be measured in different scales, primarily Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale used in scientific contexts, where 0 K is absolute zero. The Fahrenheit scale is commonly used in the United States, where water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F. Understanding how to convert between these scales is essential for solving temperature-related problems.

Conversion Formulas

To convert temperatures between Kelvin and Fahrenheit, specific formulas are used. The conversion from Kelvin (K) to Fahrenheit (°F) is given by the formula °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32. This formula allows for the accurate transformation of temperature values from one scale to another, which is crucial for interpreting scientific data in familiar terms.

Scientific Notation and Precision

In scientific contexts, precision and significant figures are important when reporting measurements. The temperature of the Sun is given as 5778 K, which implies a certain level of precision. When converting this temperature to Fahrenheit, it is important to maintain this precision in the final answer, ensuring that the conversion reflects the accuracy of the original measurement.