12.14.2010

bp's science: it's getting cold (v.1)

When we have these cold, windy days, I try to get my weather info early in the morning so I can tell my family what kind of warm gear we'll need for the day. Jacket, hat, and gloves? Just a jacket? For O it's always just a coat. He is not a fan of the hat or the gloves.

Our weather is always in Fahrenheit (F), but I find that more and more we need to understand Celsius (C). For our extended stay in Belgium, I was always trying to figure out what 20 degrees Celsius meant in Fahrenheit.

To convert F to C:
Subtract 32 and then multiply by 5. Divide that result by 9. In shorthand:
(F - 32) x 5 / 9 = C
for a quick estimate, subtract 30 and divide by 2, (F - 30) / 2

Looks hard, but it's so easy (especially since we've all got calculators on our phones these days).

So today it is 34 degrees F. Let's see what that makes it in C:
34 - 32 = 2 x 5 = 10 / 9 = 1.11 degrees C
or quickly (34 - 30) = 4 / 2 = 2

And for the other way around:
Multiply C by 9, divide by 5 and add 32. In shorthand:
C x 9 / 5 + 32
for a quick estimate, multiply by 2 and add 30
So what was the temp in Belgium?
20 x 9 = 180 / 5 = 36 + 32 = 68 degrees F
or quickly 20 x 2 = 40 + 30 = 70
Other computer is still not working, so the exciting thing I promised last week is still on hold.

3 comments:

jo said...

This post comes at a time when I need it most! I can't tell you how many times I've tried to explain to someone what the temperature is in Celcius only to realize I have NO idea how to calculate it. But no more!

Also, question: Celsius and Centigrage, what's the difference if any?

ash said...

Jo, thanks to your question, I fixed the Centigrade to Celsius. Turns out that Celsius was known as Centigrade until 1948 (or so says wikipedia). I made my post more up-to-date thanks to you.

jo said...

Hey, retro post, I dig! Retro is all the rage these days.

And thanks for answering my question. I had no idea what the difference was, but now I can impress my friends with my newfound knowledge (or keep up my rather nerdy vibe I've got going).