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Chapter 2: Problem 87

Of the three temperature scales, which can have negative temperatures? For the one(s) that can't, explain why not.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Both Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales can have negative temperatures, such as -40°F and -40°C, respectively. However, the Kelvin scale cannot have negative temperatures because it is an absolute temperature scale that starts from absolute zero (0 K), which is the lowest possible temperature.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the temperature scales

There are three common temperature scales: Fahrenheit (°F), Celsius (°C), and Kelvin (K).
02

Explore the Fahrenheit scale

The Fahrenheit scale has a zero point at -459.67 °F, representing absolute zero. This means that the Fahrenheit scale can have negative values, like -40 °F, which is also -40 °C.
03

Explore the Celsius scale

The Celsius scale has a zero point at -273.15 °C, which is the temperature of absolute zero. Negative temperatures are possible in the Celsius scale, with an example being -40 °C, as we have mentioned in the previous step.
04

Explore the Kelvin scale

The Kelvin scale has a zero point at 0 K, which is the temperature of absolute zero. Since absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, the Kelvin scale does not have any negative temperatures.
05

Explain why Kelvin scale can't have negative values

The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, which means it starts from absolute zero (0 K). Since absolute zero is defined as the lowest possible temperature, it is not possible for temperatures to have negative values on the Kelvin scale. In conclusion, both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales can have negative temperatures, while the Kelvin scale cannot due to its absolute nature starting at absolute zero (0 K).

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