A thermometer calibrated in the Celsius scale and a thermometer calibrated in the Fahrenheit scale are used to measure the same temperature. The numerical reading on the Fahrenheit thermometer
A) is proportional to that on the Celsius thermometer.
B) is smaller than that on the Celsius thermometer.
C) is larger than that on the Celsius thermometer.
D) may be smaller or larger than that on the Celsius thermometer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales have different zero points (Fahrenheit scale has a lower zero point) and different size intervals, so the numerical readings on the thermometers will not be directly proportional. Therefore, the Fahrenheit reading may be smaller or larger than the Celsius reading depending on the specific temperature being measured.

A Thermometer Calibrated in the Celsius Scale and a Thermometer