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Understanding Temperature Conversion - Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and More Are you confused about temperature units and how to convert between them? In this article, we'll explore the most common units of temperature and explain their meaning and usage. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to convert temperatures and when to use each unit. Celsius (°C) is the most widely used unit of temperature measurement in the world. It is named after Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who invented the scale in 1742. The Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C, making it a convenient unit for measuring everyday temperatures. Celsius is used in many countries around the world, including most of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Fahrenheit (°F) is the unit of temperature used in the United States and a few other countries. It was named after German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who invented the scale in 1724. The Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F. The Fahrenheit scale is less common than Celsius but is still used for weather forecasts and other applications in the United States. Kelvin (K) is the SI unit of temperature and is used in scientific and technical applications. It is named after British physicist and mathematician William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin, who proposed the absolute temperature scale in 1848. The Kelvin scale sets absolute zero, the theoretical temperature at which all matter would have zero thermal energy, at 0K. Kelvin is used in scientific research, engineering, and other technical fields. Rankine (°R) is another absolute temperature scale, similar to Kelvin, but is not widely used. It is named after Scottish engineer and physicist William Rankine, who proposed the scale in the mid-19th century. The Rankine scale sets absolute zero at 0°R and the freezing point of water at 491.67°R. Rankine is occasionally used in engineering and other technical applications in the United States. To convert between Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine, you can use a temperature conversion calculator or formula. The conversion formula for Celsius to Fahrenheit is °F = (°C × 1.8) + 32, while the formula for Fahrenheit to Celsius is °C = (°F - 32) ÷ 1.8. To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature, and to convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature. To convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin, first convert to Celsius using the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula, then add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. To convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit, first subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature, then use the Celsius to Fahrenheit formula. In conclusion, understanding temperature conversion is essential for many applications, from cooking and weather forecasting to scientific research and engineering. By knowing the meaning and usage of Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, and Rankine, and how to convert between them, you can communicate effectively and make accurate temperature measurements in any situation.