Which temperature is hotter: 17 -C or 58 %F? explain’
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine which temperature is hotter—17°C below zero (17 °C below zero or -17 °C) or 58°F—we need to convert both temperatures to the same scale. Let’s convert both to Celsius:
Step 1: Convert 58°F to Celsius
Use the formula: °C=(°F−32)×59°C = (°F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9}°C=(°F−32)×95 °C=(58−32)×59=26×59≈14.4°C°C = (58 – 32) \times \frac{5}{9} = 26 \times \frac{5}{9} \approx 14.4°C°C=(58−32)×95=26×95≈14.4°C
Step 2: Compare the Two
- 58°F ≈ 14.4°C
- 17°C below zero = -17°C
Final Answer:
58°F is much hotter than -17°C.
Explanation:
To compare two temperatures given in different units, it’s essential to convert them to the same temperature scale. Celsius and Fahrenheit are commonly used temperature units. Celsius is often used globally, while Fahrenheit is mainly used in the United States.
The problem gives us -17°C (read as “17 degrees Celsius below zero”) and 58°F. Since one is in Celsius and the other in Fahrenheit, a direct comparison isn’t meaningful without conversion.
Using the standard conversion formula, we convert 58°F to Celsius. The formula is: °C=(°F−32)×59°C = (°F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9}°C=(°F−32)×95
Subtracting 32 from 58 gives us 26, and multiplying 26 by 5/9 yields approximately 14.4°C. Now both temperatures are in Celsius: -17°C and 14.4°C. Clearly, 14.4°C is significantly warmer.
To understand the difference, -17°C is extremely cold—common in winter conditions in very cold climates. Water freezes at 0°C, so -17°C is well below freezing, capable of causing frostbite with prolonged exposure. On the other hand, 14.4°C is a mild, cool temperature—similar to early spring or autumn in many places.
In summary, 58°F (14.4°C) is much hotter than -17°C, and understanding temperature scales helps us make sense of such comparisons in real-world scenarios, such as weather reports or climate studies.
