JCE Online Journal of Chemical Education
 | Subscriptions  | Software Orders  | Support  | Contributors  | Advertisers  | 

JCE Print
   Current Issue
 Previous Issues
 Supplements
 Search JCE Index

JCE Digital Library
   JCEDLib Catalogue
   ChemInfo
 Data-Driven Exercises
 DigiDemos
 Featured Molecules
 LivTexts
 LrnCom
 QBank
 SymMath
 WebWare

JCE Software
   Latest Releases
 Software & Video
 Downloads
 Support

Only@JCE Online
   JCE Online Store
 JCE HS CLIC
 JCE Discussion Forums
   Biographical Snapshots
 ChemEd Resource Shelf
 Featured Molecules
 Hal's Picks
 Project Chemlab
 Reviewed WWW Sites
 "Web-Ed" Articles

About JCE
   Features
 Publications
 Operations
 Outreach
 Contact Us


  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1998  > December  >
Research: Science and Education
Temperature Scale Conversion as a Linear Equation: True Unit Conversion vs Zero-Offset Correction
Reuben Rudman
Adelphi University, Department of Chemistry, Garden City, NY 11530
Cover
December 1998
Vol. 75 No. 12
p. 1646
Abstract
The equation used for the interconversion between the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales is in reality the general case of the straight-line equation (y = ax + b). This equation is the paradigm for many of the calculations taught in introductory chemistry: (i) most unit conversions are special cases of this equation where "a" does not equal one and "b" equals zero (i.e., slope not equal to one and y-intercept equal to zero); (ii) Many instrumental zero-point corrections are special cases of this equation where "a" equals one and "b" does not equal zero; and (iii) Many of the conversions between the various common temperature scales are general cases of this equation ("a" does not equal one and "b" does not equal zero) wherein the two operations used in effecting this conversion are a zero-point offset correction and a normal conversion-factor procedure. Relating these "new" concepts to the familiar straight-line equation will enhance student comprehension and retention.
More Information
*  Citation
 Rudman, Reuben. J. Chem. Educ. 1998 75 1646.
*  Keywords
 Introductory / High School Chemistry; Nomenclature / Units / Symbols
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 June 18, 1999
June 24, 2005
<< Previous Article Table of Contents Next Article >>
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1998 > December > Page 1646



Chemistry Teacher Connection

The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
More About CTC
Order the Chemistry Teacher Connection

C&EN CLICs

Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students. 
 C&EN CLICs

JCE Collections Available
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.
 List of available collections

Contributions Welcome
JCE welcomes your submission
 Contributors's Corner

Subscriptions
 Subscription Info
 Order Forms

Fishing for New Ideas
Always in the
process of
improving, CLIC
welcomes ideas and comments.

Email Us

Comments to
jceonline@chem.wisc.edu		 Copyright © Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society.
All rights reserved.