Unit Conversions-Temperature

UNIT CONVERSIONS – Temperature

To start with, have a look at the table below to learn the common temperature conversions.

Now let's get to the harder part; converting temperature values from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa
using the formula below:

C is Celsius

F is Fahrenheit

K is Kelvin

C = 5/9F-32

F = 9/5C+32

C = K - 273

K = C + 273


Are you ready to try your hand at solving? Look at the following examples and see if you can solve it using
the formula.

  1. Convert 87 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit.

    C = 87

    F = ?

    F = 9/5 * 87 + 32

  2. = 188.6 F

    Now check your answer by converting it back to Celsius:

    C = 5/9 * 188.6 -32

    = 87 C


  3. Convert 276 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius

    F = 276

    C = ?

    C = 5/9 * 276 – 32

    C = 135.5 C

    Now check your answer by converting it back to Fahrenheit:

    F = 9/5 * 135.5 + 32

    = 276 F


  4. The boiling point of water is 100 degrees C. What is this value in Kelvin?

    C = 100

    k = ?

    k = 100 + 273

    = 373 k

Try these questions

  1. The temperature in Abu Dhabi is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and 17 degrees Celsius below zero in Montreal.
    What is the difference in temperature between the two cities?

    Answer: 37 degrees C

    First convert 68 F to C

    C = 5/9 * 68-32

    C = 20

    Second, find the difference:

    20 – (-17) = 37 degrees C difference


  2. Convert the following to Kelvin

    a) 0o C = ___

    Answer: 0 + 273 = 273 k

    b) -50o C = ___

    Answer:-50 + 273 = 223

    c) 90o C = ___

    Answer: 90 + 273 = 363 k

    d) -20o C = ___

    Answer: -20 + 273 = 253 k


  3. Jessie is suffering from hyperthermia, with her body temperature reading at 104 degrees F. What does this read
    in the Celsius scale?

    Answer:

    C = 5/9F-32

    = 5/9 * 104-32

    = 40 degrees centigrade


  4. Convert the following to Celsius

    a) 130 F = ___

    Answer: 5/9 * 130-32

    = 54.4 C

    b) 198 F = ___

    Answer: 5/9 * 198-32

    = 92.22 C

    c) 90 F = ___

    Answer: 5/9 * 90-32

    = 32.22 C

    d) 231 F

    Answer: 5/9 * 231-32

    = 110.6 C