Frigid temperature is hitting Chicago again, with -20 degree windchill. Previous forecast even say -40 degree.
Although news says it is one of the coldest days ever, but it certainly doesn't feel that way this morning. I've felt colder days. Perhaps the cold is yet to come later.
Is global warming really taking place? But everyone has seen videos of icebergs cracking and dire warnings.
Are lost icebergs re-forming now in your backyard?
So, water boils at 212°F = 100 °C. 70°F roughly equals 25°C. 32°F equals 0°C. °F tends to be way above °C.
Ok, what does -40 °F corresponds to in °C?
The answer is the same number: -40°C. Don't believe me? Check this out:
Google unit conversion
How can this be?
Well both Celsius and Fahrenheit are based on markings from water boiling and freezing point, in a linear relationship.
So what's the relationship between C and F? Celsius freezing and boiling point at 0 and 100; Fahrenheit freezing and boiling point at 32 and 212.
Algebra 1 students can relate: gee, instead of x and y, we can graph a relationship between C and F.
x and y are generic variable names, we can make it stand for something real.
We have two points on a graph: C vs F. (0,32), and (100,212).
We can determine the equation. Yes, find the slope and y-intercept. (212-32)/(100-0) = 180/100 = 9/5. The y-intercept is simply 32.
Ok folks, this is the formula you have seen: F = 9/5 (C) + 32.
What is the case where both F and C are equal? Let's find out! Let F = C: F = (9/5)F + 32. Solve for F you get -40.
Was your Algebra 1 knowledge useful?
2 comments:
How about just coincidence?
-40 is where these mostly unrelated scales meet. I don't think much of it.
Fahrenheit and Celsius are mostly unrelated. One guy choose some reference points, another guy choose other reference points.
There is pure genius to refuse the silly metrication of temperature in America.
Water freezes at 0 C and boils at 100 F. So what? It has nothing to do with weather that you'd feel.
When it's 0 F outside, it's CRAZY cold. There should be only a few days a year. When it's 100 F, it's CRAZY hot, there should only be a few days a year. When it's 50 degrees it's comfortable. The Fahrenheit scale is the *real* metric scale.
Man, you should join me in doing some MCAT questions - they will certainly interest you.
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