Problem 9

Question

The freezing point of water is \(32^{\circ}\) Fahrenheit. The boiling point of water is \(212^{\circ}\) Fahrenheit. Write an inequality statement using \(<\) or \(>\) comparing the numbers 32 and 212

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
32 < 212
1Step 1: Identify the Numbers Involved
We are asked to compare the freezing point and boiling point of water in Fahrenheit. The numbers given are the freezing point, which is 32°F, and the boiling point, which is 212°F.
2Step 2: Determine the Relationship
Since 32 is the freezing point and 212 is the boiling point, 32°F is clearly a lower temperature compared to 212°F. Therefore, 32°F is less than 212°F.
3Step 3: Write the Inequality Statement
Use the symbol for 'less than' to write the inequality. Since 32 is less than 212, the inequality is written as: \[32 < 212\]

Key Concepts

Freezing Point of WaterBoiling Point of WaterFahrenheit Temperature Scale
Freezing Point of Water
Water has unique properties, including distinct freezing and boiling points. The freezing point of water is the temperature at which it changes from liquid to solid. This happens at exactly 32°F on the Fahrenheit scale. At this point, water molecules slow down and form a crystalline structure, turning into ice. Understanding this concept is crucial for various scientific and environmental studies, as it impacts everything from weather patterns to ecosystem dynamics.
Another interesting fact is how impurities or different atmospheric pressures can alter the freezing point. For example, adding salt to water lowers its freezing point – a principle used in de-icing roads in winter. Thus, knowing the baseline freezing point at 32°F helps us comprehend these variations better.
Boiling Point of Water
The boiling point of water is when water transitions from a liquid state to a gaseous state, widely known as steam. For pure water, this happens at 212°F on the Fahrenheit scale under standard atmospheric pressure, which is sea level pressure. At this temperature, water molecules gain enough energy to break free from their liquid bonds, forming bubbles of water vapor that rise to the surface and escape into the air.
Interestingly, the boiling point can be affected by atmospheric pressure. At higher altitudes, where pressure is lower, water boils at a temperature lower than 212°F. Conversely, in a pressure cooker, water can boil at temperatures higher than 212°F due to the increased pressure. Knowing conditions altering the boiling point is essential for cooking, industrial processes, and scientific experiments.
Fahrenheit Temperature Scale
The Fahrenheit temperature scale, named after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries for everyday temperature measurement. On this scale, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F at sea level. This scale is less intuitive compared to the Celsius scale used by most other countries, where water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C.
Understanding the Fahrenheit scale also involves becoming familiar with everyday implications, such as weather forecasting and cooking, both of which rely heavily on this measurement. The Fahrenheit scale provides finer detail between temperature intervals, which can be beneficial for specific applications where small changes in temperature matter. By understanding the numbers and their corresponding physical states, one can navigate various temperature-related tasks more effectively.