The temperature on the surface of the Sun is 5778 K. What is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit? (LO 1.6) (c) 10,920 °F

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 represents 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 accounts for the differences in the zero points and scaling factors of the two temperature systems, allowing for accurate temperature conversion.

Scientific Notation and Significant Figures

In scientific contexts, it is important to express numbers in a way that reflects their precision. Significant figures indicate the certainty of a measurement, while scientific notation allows for the representation of very large or small numbers in a compact form. When performing calculations, especially conversions, maintaining the correct number of significant figures ensures that the final answer is both accurate and meaningful.