For those who are used to measuring temperature in Fahrenheit, understanding what 68 degrees Fahrenheit is in Celsius can be a bit confusing. While most countries around the world use the Celsius scale, the United States, Belize, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Palau still use the Fahrenheit scale for measuring temperature. In this article, we will discuss what 68 degrees Fahrenheit is in Celsius and provide some helpful information about the two temperature scales.
Understanding the Fahrenheit and Celsius Scales
The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are two different ways of measuring temperature. While the Celsius scale is widely used in most countries, the Fahrenheit scale is still used in a few countries, as mentioned above. Here’s a brief overview of each scale:
Fahrenheit Scale:
- Developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724.
- Based on a scale where the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point of water is 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure.
- The scale uses a total of 180 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.
- Room temperature is usually around 68°F.
Celsius Scale:
- Developed by Anders Celsius in 1742.
- Based on a scale where the freezing point of water is 0°C and the boiling point of water is 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
- The scale uses a total of 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.
- Room temperature is usually around 20°C.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales, let’s find out what 68 degrees Fahrenheit translates to in Celsius.
Converting 68°F to Celsius
The formula to convert temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius is as follows:
Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32) / 1.8
Using this formula, we can calculate what 68 degrees Fahrenheit is in Celsius:
Celsius = (68 – 32) / 1.8 = 36 / 1.8 = 20°C
So, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is equal to 20 degrees Celsius.
This means that if the temperature outside is 68°F, it is approximately 20°C according to the Celsius scale.
Key Differences Between Fahrenheit and Celsius
Now that we have a clear understanding of what 68 degrees Fahrenheit is in Celsius, here are some key differences between the two temperature scales:
Precision:
- Celsius: The Celsius scale is based on the properties of water, making it more precise for scientific use.
- Fahrenheit: The Fahrenheit scale is less precise and more difficult to work with in scientific calculations due to its arbitrary nature.
Boiling and Freezing Points:
- Celsius: In the Celsius scale, water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
- Fahrenheit: In the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure.
Scale Intervals:
- Celsius: The Celsius scale has a total of 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water, making it more convenient for everyday use.
- Fahrenheit: The Fahrenheit scale has a total of 180 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.
FAQs
1. Why do some countries use Celsius while others use Fahrenheit?
Different countries adopted different temperature scales based on historical reasons and regional preferences. The Celsius scale is used by most countries due to its scientific and practical advantages, while the Fahrenheit scale is still used in a few countries, particularly the United States, due to historical tradition.
2. Is one temperature scale better than the other?
The choice of which temperature scale to use ultimately depends on personal preference and regional conventions. However, from a scientific standpoint, the Celsius scale is considered more precise and convenient for calculations due to its base-10 nature and its ties to the properties of water.
3. How can I easily convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius?
A simple way to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius is to use the following formulas:
Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32) / 1.8
Fahrenheit = (Celsius * 1.8) + 32
4. What is the average room temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius?
The average room temperature is typically around 68°F in Fahrenheit and 20°C in Celsius. This can vary slightly depending on individual preferences and environmental factors.
5. Are there temperature scales other than Fahrenheit and Celsius?
While Fahrenheit and Celsius are the most commonly used temperature scales, there are other scales such as Kelvin and Rankine that are used in specific scientific and engineering applications. Kelvin is widely used in scientific research and is based on absolute zero, while Rankine is primarily used in engineering contexts.
By understanding the differences between the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales and knowing how to convert between them, you can easily interpret and work with temperature measurements regardless of the scale used.
