How to Measure Temperature in Celsius for Science
In the majority of the world, the standard unit of measurement for temperature is Celsius. Celsius is also commonly used in the scientific world. Most thermometers include a separate scale for taking measurements in Celsius; however, it is straightforward to convert the temperature to Celsius if the thermometer takes measurements in Kelvin or Fahrenheit.
If you prefer a more creative approach to making temperature measurements, it's possible to create your own thermometer which uses Celsius to measure different temperatures.
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Instructions
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Measuring Temperature in Celsius Using a Pre-Calibrated Thermometer
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If you have an electronic or bulb thermometer (the most common types of thermometers) which records values in Celsius, simply read the value from the thermometer.
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If your thermometer only records values in Fahrenheit, subtract 32 from the value in Fahrenheit, then multiply the resulting value by 0.56. For example, if the value recorded is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, subtracting 32 from this value gives 36. Multiplying 36 by 0.56 gives 20 degrees Celsius, which is the final answer.
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If the thermometer measures temperature in Kelvins, simply subtract 273.15 from the values in Kelvin. For example, if we measure the temperature to be 300 degrees Kelvin, subtracting 273.15 from this value gives a value of 26.85 degrees Celsius.
Measuring Temperature in Celsius Using a Custom Thermometer
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Mix equal amounts of rubbing alcohol and water in an empty bottle or jar, filling the jar or bottle 1/4 full. Add food coloring to make the water/alcohol mixture more visible.
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Cut a small hole in the lid of the jar or bottle, and insert a long, see-through straw into the small hole, ensuring the straw does not touch the bottom of the bottle.
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Use modeling clay to seal the area surrounding the straw, ensuring that no air can escape from the bottle.
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Place the homemade thermometer in an environment with a known temperature of 0 degrees Celsius, such as a freezer. Mark the location on the bottle where the water and alcohol mixture stabilizes as 0 degrees Celsius. Then place the homemade thermometer in an environment with a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, such as a pot of boiling water. Again, mark the location on the bottle where the water and alcohol mixture stabilizes as 100 degrees Celsius.
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Divide the distance between the "0 degrees" and "100 degrees" labels into 100 equal distances. This will allow you to make accurate temperature measurements in degrees Celsius in the future.
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Tips & Warnings
When calibrating the homemade thermometer at the 0 Degrees Celsius and 100 Degrees Celsius, use a second, more accurate thermometer to ensure these temperatures are accurate. Otherwise, all temperatures measured from the homemade thermometer will be inaccurate.
Make the "0 Degrees" and "100 Degrees" markings from the same line of sight as you will use when making measurements in the future. Otherwise, all future measurements will be slightly inaccurate. This problem is known as parallax.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Carlsson/Photodisc/Getty Images
