Fahrenheit

Definition

Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point is 212 degrees above zero.

Purpose

The purpose of the Fahrenheit scale is to provide a system for measuring temperature, commonly used in the United States and its territories for everyday temperature readings and weather forecasts.

Examples of Use

• Weather Forecasts: Reporting daily high and low temperatures in Fahrenheit.
• Cooking: Setting oven temperatures using the Fahrenheit scale.
• Medical: Measuring body temperature in Fahrenheit for clinical and home health settings.

Related Terms

• Celsius: A temperature scale where the freezing point of water is 0 degrees and the boiling point is 100 degrees.
• Kelvin: An absolute temperature scale used primarily in scientific contexts.
• Thermometer: An instrument for measuring temperature.

Notes

• Converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius can be done using the formula: C=(F−32)×5/9\text{C} = (\text{F} - 32) \times 5/9C=(F−32)×5/9.
• The Fahrenheit scale is named after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who proposed it in 1724.