Centigrade, also known as the Celsius scale, was developed by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. The original definition of the scale was based on the freezing and boiling points of water being 0° and 100°, respectively. However, after his death, the scale was reversed by another scientist, making 0° the boiling point of water and 100° the freezing point. This reversed scale is what is now commonly known as the Celsius scale and is used worldwide as a standard unit of temperature measurement.
Definitions:
- Centigrade: A temperature scale used globally to measure temperatures in which the freezing point of water is set at 0 degrees and the boiling point at 100 degrees.
- Celsius: Another name for the centigrade temperature scale.
- Metric System: A system of measurement based on multiples of ten, used globally in scientific and medical fields.
5 Examples of Centigrade Usage:
- Checking the temperature of a fever: A person with a fever might have a temperature of 38°C.
- Measuring the temperature of food while cooking: A chef might use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of a turkey has reached a safe temperature of 74°C.
- Setting the temperature of a refrigerator: A household might set their refrigerator to 4°C to keep their food at a safe temperature.
- Checking the temperature outside: A weatherman might report that it is 15°C outside on a cool spring day.
- Measuring the temperature of a bath: A person might enjoy a warm bath at 38°C on a cold winter day.
10 Question Quiz:
- What is another name for Centigrade?
- Who first proposed the Centigrade temperature scale?
- What is the freezing point of water in Centigrade?
- What is the boiling point of water in Centigrade?
- Is the Centigrade temperature scale based on the metric system?
- What is the metric system?
- What might a chef use to measure the temperature of food while cooking?
- What is a common temperature to set a household refrigerator to?
- What might a weatherman report on a cool spring day?
- What is a common temperature to enjoy a warm bath at on a cold winter day?
Answers:
- Celsius
- Anders Celsius
- 0°C
- 100°C
- Yes
- A system of measurement based on multiples of ten, used globally in scientific and medical fields.
- A food thermometer
- 4°C
- 15°C
- 38°C
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