Three thermometers are placed in a closed, insulated box and are allowed to reach thermal equilibrium. One is calibrated in Fahrenheit degrees, one in Celsius degrees, and one in Kelvins. The Celsius thermometer reads -40 °C and the Kelvin thermometer reads 233 K. Which one of the following statements is necessarily true?
A)The Kelvin thermometer should read -233 K.
B)The Kelvin thermometer should read -313 K.
C)The Fahrenheit thermometer must read -40 °F.
D)If water were found within the box, it must be in the liquid state.
E)If the temperature of the contents is increased by 10 C°, the reading on the Kelvin thermometer should increase by 273 K.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We know that -40 °C is equal to 233 K. To find the Fahrenheit reading, we can use the conversion formula F = (9/5)C + 32, which gives us -40 °C = -40 °F. Therefore, the Fahrenheit thermometer must read -40 °F. Option A is incorrect as Kelvin scale only starts at 0, so negative Kelvin temperatures cannot exist. Option B is also incorrect as -313 K is a temperature lower than absolute zero, which is impossible. Option D is not necessarily true and cannot be inferred from the information given. Option E is related to the conversion between Celsius and Kelvin, but it is not necessary to answer the question.

Three Thermometers Are Placed in a Closed, Insulated Box and Are