Introduction
Temperature is a measure of the average amount of kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It is a crucial aspect of our daily lives, and we use various temperature scales to measure it. Two commonly used temperature scales are centigrade and Celsius, but are they the same?
Centigrade and Celsius: The Confusion
Centigrade and Celsius are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. However, the truth is that centigrade and Celsius are the same temperature scale. In 1948, the General Conference on Weights and Measures adopted Celsius as the standard temperature scale, replacing the centigrade scale.
The Celsius Scale
The Celsius scale, also known as the centigrade scale, is a temperature scale that is based on the freezing and boiling points of water. In this scale, the freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius, and the boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius.
The Celsius scale is a common temperature scale used throughout the world, except for the United States, which uses the Fahrenheit scale. The Celsius scale is also used in scientific experiments, where precise temperature measurements are required.
The Centigrade Scale
The centigrade scale is the original name for the Celsius scale. The term "centigrade" comes from the Latin words "centum" and "gradus," which mean "hundred" and "steps," respectively. This name refers to the fact that there are 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.
The term "centigrade" was first used in the 18th century by a Swedish astronomer named Anders Celsius, who created the scale. However, the name "centigrade" was eventually replaced by "Celsius" in 1948, as it was deemed more accurate.
Differences Between Celsius and Fahrenheit
The Celsius scale is different from the Fahrenheit scale, which is primarily used in the United States. The freezing point of water on the Fahrenheit scale is 32 degrees, and the boiling point is 212 degrees. This means that the Fahrenheit scale has a different range than the Celsius scale.
Converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit can be done using the following formulas:
- To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: (Celsius x 1.8) + 32 = Fahrenheit
- To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: (Fahrenheit - 32) / 1.8 = Celsius
Conclusion
In summary, centigrade and Celsius are the same temperature scale. The Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water, and it is used throughout the world, except for the United States. The centigrade scale was the original name for the Celsius scale, and it was replaced in 1948. Understanding the differences between temperature scales is essential for accurate temperature measurements.