Difference between Celsius and Centigrade
Temperature is an essential aspect of our daily lives, and different scales are used to measure it. Two commonly confused temperature scales are Celsius and Centigrade. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they do have some subtle differences. In this article, we will explore what Celsius and Centigrade mean, provide examples, and discuss their uses. Additionally, we will compare these two scales in a comprehensive table, highlighting their differences. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how Celsius and Centigrade differ from each other.
What is Celsius?
The Celsius scale is a metric temperature scale used across the world. It is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who first proposed this scale in 1742. Celsius is defined by setting the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and the boiling point of water at 100 degrees, both at standard atmospheric pressure.
Examples of Celsius:
- 30 degrees Celsius is a typical summer day temperature.
- 10 degrees Celsius is the average temperature in spring.
- -10 degrees Celsius is a cold winter day temperature.
Uses of Celsius:
The Celsius scale is widely used in daily life, scientific research, and weather forecasting. It provides a common reference point for temperature measurements and allows for easy conversions between Celsius and other temperature scales such as Fahrenheit or Kelvin.
What is Centigrade?
Centigrade is another term used to refer to the Celsius scale. It derives from the Latin words “centum,” meaning one hundred, and “gradus,” meaning steps or degrees. The term “centigrade” was commonly used to describe the Celsius scale before the 1948 General Conference on Weights and Measures officially renamed it as Celsius.
Examples of Centigrade:
- 25 degrees Centigrade is a comfortable room temperature.
- 40 degrees Centigrade is a high fever.
- -5 degrees Centigrade is a chilly winter morning temperature.
Uses of Centigrade:
Similar to Celsius, Centigrade is used for various temperature measurements in everyday life, scientific experiments, and meteorological activities. It allows for consistency and international standardization in temperature readings.
Differences Table:
| Difference Area | Celsius | Centigrade |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The Celsius scale is a metric temperature scale. | Centigrade is an outdated term for the Celsius scale. |
| Naming | Named after Anders Celsius, the Swedish astronomer. | Derived from Latin words meaning one hundred degrees. |
| Water Freezing Point | 0 degrees Celsius. | 0 degrees Centigrade. |
| Water Boiling Point | 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure. | 100 degrees Centigrade at standard atmospheric pressure. |
| Official Name | Officially recognized as Celsius since 1948. | The term “Centigrade” is no longer officially used. |
| Usage | Widely used worldwide, including science and weather forecasting. | Historically used to describe the Celsius scale. |
| Common Speech | More commonly referred to as Celsius. | Less commonly used as Centigrade. |
| Historical Context | Named after a specific scientist. | Derived from Latin words, indicating a numerical reference. |
| International Standardization | Used as the international standard temperature scale. | No longer used as the official term. |
| Clarity | The term Celsius is clearer in its definition and origin. | The term Centigrade can be misleading due to its Latin root. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Celsius and Centigrade are essentially the same temperature scales, with Celsius being the official and currently used term. Celsius offers a clear definition and is widely accepted as the international standard for temperature measurement. Centigrade, on the other hand, had historical usage before the official renaming. Regardless of the term used, both scales provide a practical reference point for measuring temperature and allow for easy conversions among different temperature scales.
People Also Ask:
- Is Celsius the same as Centigrade? Yes, Celsius and Centigrade refer to the same temperature scale.
- Why are there two terms for the same scale? The term “Centigrade” was used before the scale was officially named “Celsius.”
- What is the freezing point in Celsius? Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.
- What is the boiling point in Centigrade? Water boils at 100 degrees Centigrade.
- Which term is used more commonly? Celsius is the more commonly used term in modern times.
