What is –15 °F in degrees Celsius and in kelvins?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Recall the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: $C=\frac{5}{9}\ast (F-32)$. This formula will help us find the temperature in Celsius.
2. Step 2: Substitute the given Fahrenheit temperature (-15 °F) into the formula: $C=\frac{5}{9}\ast (-15-32)$. Simplify the expression inside the parentheses first.
3. Step 3: After simplifying the parentheses, multiply the result by $\frac{5}{9}$ to calculate the Celsius temperature.
4. Step 4: Recall the formula to convert Celsius to Kelvin: $K=C+273.15$. Use the Celsius value obtained in Step 3 and add 273.15 to find the temperature in kelvins.
5. Step 5: Ensure that both the Celsius and Kelvin values are reported with the correct number of significant figures based on the input data (-15 °F).

Key Concepts

Temperature Conversion

Temperature conversion involves changing a temperature value from one scale to another, such as Fahrenheit to Celsius or Kelvin. The formulas for conversion are essential: to convert Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), use the formula °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. For converting Celsius to Kelvin (K), the formula is K = °C + 273.15.

Fahrenheit Scale

The Fahrenheit scale is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F under standard atmospheric conditions. It is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries. Understanding this scale is crucial for converting temperatures to other scales, as it provides the starting point for calculations.

Celsius and Kelvin Scales

The Celsius scale is a metric temperature scale where 0 °C is the freezing point of water and 100 °C is the boiling point. Kelvin is the absolute temperature scale used in scientific contexts, starting at absolute zero (0 K). The relationship between Celsius and Kelvin is direct, with K = °C + 273.15, making it important for scientific calculations and understanding thermal properties.