a. Water is heated to 145 °F. What is the temperature of the hot water in degrees Celsius?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem. We need to convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
2. Step 2: Recall the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius: \( C = \frac{5}{9} (F - 32) \).
3. Step 3: Substitute the given Fahrenheit temperature (145 °F) into the formula: \( C = \frac{5}{9} (145 - 32) \).
4. Step 4: Simplify the expression inside the parentheses: \( 145 - 32 = 113 \).
5. Step 5: Multiply the result by \( \frac{5}{9} \) to find the temperature in Celsius.

Key Concepts

Temperature Conversion

Temperature conversion is the process of changing a temperature value from one unit to another, such as from Fahrenheit to Celsius. The formula for converting Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C) is: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. Understanding this formula is essential for accurately determining the temperature in the desired unit.

Fahrenheit and Celsius Scales

The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are two different systems for measuring temperature. The Fahrenheit scale is primarily used in the United States, where water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F. In contrast, the Celsius scale is used in most other countries, with water freezing at 0 °C and boiling at 100 °C. Familiarity with these scales is crucial for effective temperature conversion.

Thermal Energy and Heat

Thermal energy refers to the energy that comes from the temperature of matter, which is related to the motion of particles within a substance. When water is heated, its thermal energy increases, resulting in a rise in temperature. Understanding the relationship between thermal energy and temperature helps contextualize why temperature measurements are important in chemistry and everyday life.