The conversion of temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius is a common task in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life. To convert 39 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius, we use the formula: Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) * 5/9. Applying this formula, we get: Celsius = (39 - 32) * 5/9 = 7 * 5/9 = 3.89 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is derived from the definition of the Celsius scale, where 0 degrees Celsius is the freezing point of water and 100 degrees Celsius is the boiling point of water. The Fahrenheit scale, on the other hand, defines 32 degrees as the freezing point of water and 212 degrees as the boiling point. The conversion formula is a linear transformation that maps the Fahrenheit scale to the Celsius scale. The formula is: Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) * 5⁄9.
Conversion Example
To illustrate the conversion process, let’s consider a few examples. Suppose we want to convert 32 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius. Using the formula, we get: Celsius = (32 - 32) * 5⁄9 = 0 degrees Celsius, which is the freezing point of water. Another example is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which corresponds to 100 degrees Celsius, the boiling point of water. For 39 degrees Fahrenheit, as calculated earlier, the equivalent temperature in Celsius is 3.89 degrees Celsius.
| Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 32 | 0 |
| 212 | 100 |
| 39 | 3.89 |
Temperature Scales
There are several temperature scales, including Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, where 0 Kelvin is absolute zero, the theoretical temperature at which all molecular motion ceases. The Celsius scale is a relative scale, with 0 degrees Celsius defined as the freezing point of water and 100 degrees Celsius defined as the boiling point of water. The Fahrenheit scale, while still used in some applications, is being phased out in favor of the Celsius scale due to its more intuitive and logical definition.
Comparison of Temperature Scales
A comparison of the different temperature scales reveals their unique characteristics and applications. The Kelvin scale is used in scientific and engineering applications, particularly in fields such as thermodynamics and cryogenics. The Celsius scale is widely used in everyday life, including weather forecasting, cooking, and scientific research. The Fahrenheit scale, while still used in some contexts, is largely being replaced by the Celsius scale due to its greater simplicity and international acceptance.
- Kelvin scale: absolute temperature scale, 0 Kelvin = absolute zero
- Celsius scale: relative temperature scale, 0 degrees Celsius = freezing point of water, 100 degrees Celsius = boiling point of water
- Fahrenheit scale: relative temperature scale, 32 degrees Fahrenheit = freezing point of water, 212 degrees Fahrenheit = boiling point of water
What is the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
+The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is: Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) * 5/9.
What is the equivalent temperature in Celsius for 39 degrees Fahrenheit?
+Using the conversion formula, 39 degrees Fahrenheit is equivalent to 3.89 degrees Celsius.
In summary, converting 39 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius involves using the formula: Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) * 5⁄9, which yields a result of 3.89 degrees Celsius. Understanding the different temperature scales and their applications is essential in various fields, from science and engineering to everyday life. By mastering the conversion between temperature scales, individuals can better appreciate the nuances of temperature and its role in shaping our world.
