I was just wondering, isn’t it time for the world to switch to a single temperature scale?
If yes, what would you prefer, Fahrenheit or Celsius?
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I was just wondering, isn’t it time for the world to switch to a single temperature scale?
If yes, what would you prefer, Fahrenheit or Celsius?
December 21, 2005 at 08:41 |
Not wanting to be a tosser, but I’d go for Kelvin. It has a poetical aspect to it, going for absolute zero.
December 21, 2005 at 09:29 |
Good point to include other possibilities. One of my colleagues also suggested Kelvin.
I can see the poetical aspect of starting from zero. On the other hand, take these two sentences:
1. “The outside temperature is 268!” (Kelvin)
2. “The outside temperature is -5!” (Celcius)
Both sentences indicate that it is “freezing 5 degrees”.
From a usability standpoint, I prefer the Celcius version: it is far more clearer to an average world citizen. Kelvin is for scientists only.
December 21, 2005 at 09:40 |
Agreed, but let’s look at the standardization-process from a practical point of view. Currently roughly 50% of the world-population is using Celcius and the other 50% Fahrenheit. One group will have to be persuaded to use the other groups convention. You will be hard pressed to convince these people.
However when you would go for something none of the group is using (scientists being a very small population of either group), nobody would have to change sides. It will sell better…
December 21, 2005 at 09:45 |
— US Metric Association
December 21, 2005 at 09:52 |
I stand corrected.
December 21, 2005 at 10:42 |
It was not my intention to correct you.
How about China and India, do they use Celcius then?
December 21, 2005 at 11:00 |
> All upper-air (non-surface) temperatures have always been
> measured and reported in degrees Celsius by all countries.”
Apparently they use celcius. Btw it’s always good to be corrected in the error of your ways 🙂