b. During extreme hypothermia, a child's temperature dropped to 20.6 °C. What was his temperature in degrees Fahrenheit?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: \( F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32 \).
2. Substitute the given Celsius temperature (20.6 °C) into the formula.
3. Calculate the product of \( \frac{9}{5} \) and 20.6.
4. Add 32 to the result from the previous step to find the temperature in Fahrenheit.
5. Ensure the final answer is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit.

Key Concepts

Temperature Conversion

Temperature conversion is the process of changing a temperature value from one unit to another, commonly between Celsius and Fahrenheit. The formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is F = (C × 9/5) + 32. Understanding this formula is essential for accurately converting temperatures, especially in scientific contexts.

Celsius and Fahrenheit Scales

The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are two different systems for measuring temperature. Celsius is based on the freezing and boiling points of water (0 °C and 100 °C), while Fahrenheit is based on a scale where water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F. Familiarity with these scales is crucial for interpreting temperature readings in various scientific and everyday situations.

Extreme Hypothermia

Extreme hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops significantly below the normal range, typically below 28 °C (82 °F). This condition can lead to severe physiological effects, including impaired organ function and increased risk of cardiac arrest. Understanding the implications of hypothermia is important in medical and emergency contexts, particularly when assessing a patient's condition.