Why do we use both Fahrenheit and Celsius?

Question

I know in the states we use Fahrenheit, but most everyone else is on Celsius. Is there that much of a difference between the two?

Answer 1

Fahrenheit is a much older scale based on the temperature when water freezes and when water boils at sea level, 32 and 212 degrees respectively. The reason they are such odd numbers is the scientist who invented the scale marked his thermometer before he exposed it to both temperature marks.

A while later a slightly more thoughtful person decided to base a temperature scale of 100 degrees between waters freezing and pointing points at sea level. So they labeled the freezing point at 0 and the boiling point at 100, a much more logical choice.

Then along came Kelvin. which has the same degree marks at the Celsius scale but zero has been moved from the freezing point of water to absolute zero.

The reason the United States is still using fahrenheit is the same reason we are still using other "imperial" measures. We as a society are stubborn and slow to change. However if you look most science and engineering is switching over to metric measure because it's easier and more generally accepted outside the United States.

Answer 2

There are three (3) different scales for temperature used around the world:

- Fahrenheit: This was invented by a German-Dutch scientist in 1724 called Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686-1736). On the Fahrenheit scale, the point at which frozen water melts is 32°, and the point where at which it boils is 212°. Between these two points is exactly 180°, a number easily divisible on a thermostat. Although we know with a degree of certainty what measurements Fahrenheit used to determine his scale, his process of arriving at the final scale is largely unknown.

- Celsius: This was invented by Anders Celsius (1701-1744) and today is used in most applications as it is a metric system where the point at which frozen water melts is 0°, and the point where at which it boils is 100° (both at sea level for 1 astrosphere).

- Kelvin: This was proposed by a British mathematician and physicist called William Thomson Kelvin in 1848. It uses the same degree as the Celsius, but it has no negative figures as 0 becomes absolute cero (minimum molecular energy). This scale is used more in space as it makes more sense there. But it will probably become a standard later on one day in the future as we humans start colonizing other planets.

In the US, we use Fahrenheit, the rest of the world more likely use Celsius. Maybe because of tradition, you would have to look into history books to find out. Kelvin is used more in the labs and like I said, in space.

Answer 3

Who Uses Fahrenheit

Answer 4

interesting question, but let me be bold.

americans have the tendancy to want to be stubborn and do thing their own way, even though there already is a good way to do something. this is usually because 'everything in america is better'

klinging to the imperial system is an example of this. I actually have never seen a thermometer with a fahrenheit measurement on it ever in my life. and i mostlikely will not till i visit the states ^^

and as for measurement, there is no difference in usage. just the number will be different. though if you were to tell a non-us'er that it was 67*F hed most likely have no idea of wether that is cold or hot

Answer 5

Tradition. Some countries are stuck in the old Fahrenheit world.

Answer 6

There is a difference. They are two separate scales of measurement. We (as in the U.S.) use F, while the rest of the world is using C for the same reason we are on the metric system, while the rest of the world is on the international system of measurements.

Answer 7

The Fahrenheit scale is good for people who are afraid for negative numbers. Obiously a lot of Americans are, because they still use this very old fashioned (antique) scale.

Th

Answer 8

It's because of tradition.

The difference is just in the numbers -- they both measure the same physical thing, but with different units, and different starting points.

98 F = 36.7 C (common body temperature)

Answer 9

Its just tradition...Like the U.S who use farenheit... If the U.S decided to use celsius instead of farenheit now adays they would have to change every thing..Its kind of like the thuing with miles and kilometers...To use a dif. measure it would cost way to much money...stick with what u know i guess

Answer 10

huge difference--the metric system is a base 10 system.--in science in any area of intelligence where exact measure and calculations are required the english table of measuring(Fahrenheit-ya yards feet inches--etc etc)--is not used..--the metric system is based on 10--its divisible infinitely and accurately and that's why its used in science.--and it should be used in everything