Fahrenheit
Definition and meaning of Fahrenheit in chemistry.
Fahrenheit is a temperature scale, denoted °F, on which water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm).
In more detail
Devised by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, the scale divides the interval between the freezing and boiling points of water into 180 equal degrees. It remains in everyday use in the United States but is rarely used in scientific work, where Celsius and Kelvin are standard because they align with the base-10 metric system and, for Kelvin, with absolute zero. Converting between scales requires both a slope and an offset, since 0°F does not correspond to 0°C.
Key facts
| Symbol | °F |
|---|---|
| Water freezing point | 32°F (0°C) |
| Water boiling point | 212°F (100°C, 1 atm) |
| Field | General Chemistry |
Normal human body temperature is about 98.6°F, equivalent to 37°C, calculated using °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Use °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. For example, 98.6°F converts to (98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 37°C.
Is Fahrenheit used in scientific chemistry?
No. Scientists use the Celsius scale for everyday lab temperatures and the Kelvin scale for absolute thermodynamic temperature, since Kelvin's zero point corresponds to absolute zero.