Question map
Which one among the following denotes the smallest temperature?
Explanation
To determine the smallest temperature, we must compare the absolute values of 1 unit on each scale relative to a common reference, such as Kelvin (K). The Kelvin scale is an absolute scale where 0 K is absolute zero [t3][t5]. According to the conversion formulas, 1°C is equal to 274.15 K [t1][t6]. 1° on the Reaumur scale (°Ré) converts to 274.4 K (since 1°Ré = 1.25°C + 273.15) [t1][t3]. 1° on the Fahrenheit scale (°F) is approximately 255.93 K (using K = (1 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15) [t1][t3]. Comparing the resulting values (274.15 K, 1 K, 255.93 K, and 274.4 K), 1 K is significantly lower than the others. While the question asks for the 'smallest temperature' (absolute value) rather than the smallest 'interval', 1 K represents a state closest to absolute zero (0 K), making it the lowest temperature among the options provided [t2][t5].
Sources
- [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversion_of_scales_of_temperature