Convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales.
Understanding temperature scales and conversion between systems. Celsius scale (metric): water freezes 0°C, boils 100°C, range 100 degrees. Fahrenheit scale (US/UK): water freezes 32°F, boils 212°F, range 180 degrees. Kelvin scale (scientific): absolute zero 0K, water freezes 273.15K, boils 373.15K—no negative values. Conversion formulas: °C to °F: (°C × 9/5) + 32.
°F to °C: (°F - 32) × 5/9. °C to K: °C + 273.15. Common temperature references: body temperature 37°C (98.6°F), room temperature 20-21°C (68-70°F), freezer -18°C (0°F), oven common 180°C (350°F). Weather understanding: 0°C means freezing conditions, 20°C pleasant spring, 30°C hot summer day. Medicine: fever above 38°C (100.4°F) in adults.
Cooking: meat doneness temperatures, baking requires specific oven temperatures. Industrial processes: manufacturing temperatures, cooling requirements, sterilization temperatures. Climate science: global warming discussions use Celsius (metric standard), though media sometimes reports Fahrenheit. Travel between regions using different scales requires conversions preventing confusion. Thermometer differences: digital often more accurate than analog, infrared for non-contact measurement. Calibration matters: thermometers should verify accuracy periodically. Understanding conversions enables accurate temperature interpretation across global contexts, proper cooking, appropriate clothing decisions, and medical decision-making..