Problem 85 - Chemistry Principles and Practice

Question

The melting point of sodium chloride, table salt, is \(801^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). What is this temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and in kelvins?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The temperature is 1074.15 K and 1473.8 °F.

Step 1: Convert Celsius to Kelvin

The formula to convert degrees Celsius (\(C\)) to Kelvin (\(K\)) is:\[K = C + 273.15\]Plugging in the given temperature:\[K = 801 + 273.15 = 1074.15\]Thus, the temperature in Kelvin is 1074.15 K.

Step 2: Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit

The formula to convert degrees Celsius (\(C\)) to Fahrenheit (\(F\)) is:\[F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32\]Using this formula, substitute the given Celsius temperature:\[F = \frac{9}{5} \times 801 + 32 = 1473.8\]So, the temperature in Fahrenheit is 1473.8 °F.

Key Concepts

Celsius to Kelvin conversion

Converting Celsius to Kelvin is a straightforward mathematical process and is essential in scientific studies. The Kelvin scale is primarily used in scientific experiments and is known as an absolute temperature scale because it starts at absolute zero, which is the point at which particles have minimal thermal motion.
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, you simply add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This is why the formula is represented as \( K = C + 273.15 \).

When you apply this formula to the melting point of sodium chloride, which is 801 degrees Celsius, it becomes:

• \( K = 801 + 273.15 \)
• \( K = 1074.15 \)

Hence, the Kelvin temperature is 1074.15 K.
This conversion is commonly used in chemistry and physics to ensure consistent measurement standards worldwide.

Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion

The conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit involves a slightly more complex formula compared to the Celsius to Kelvin conversion. This is crucial for those living or working in regions that use the Imperial system.
The formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is \( F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32 \). Here's how this formula works:

• First, multiply the Celsius temperature by \(\frac{9}{5}\), which is 1.8.
• Then add 32 to this product.

For example, converting 801 degrees Celsius, the melting point of sodium chloride, to Fahrenheit involves:

• \( F = \frac{9}{5} \times 801 + 32 \)
• \( F = 1441.8 + 32 \)
• \( F = 1473.8 \)

Therefore, 801 degrees Celsius is equal to 1473.8 degrees Fahrenheit. It's essential for understanding temperature ratings in different measurement systems.

sodium chloride melting point

The melting point of sodium chloride, more commonly known as table salt, is an important factor in various industrial and scientific processes.
Sodium chloride has a high melting point of 801 °C, which indicates it requires substantial heat to change from a solid to a liquid. This property is taken advantage of in processes like metal casting and certain laboratory experiments.

In different temperature scales, the melting point can be expressed as:

• 1074.15 K in the Kelvin scale for accurate scientific use.
• 1473.8 °F in the Fahrenheit scale, often used in the United States.

Understanding the melting point of sodium chloride aids in recognizing the stability of ionic compounds and their uses under various conditions. This high melting point is a testament to the strong ionic bonds within the compound, making it a robust material in high-temperature applications.