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  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
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