The Rømer temperature scale

The Rømer temperature scale


The Rømer temperature scale was an early temperature scale invented in 1701 by Ole Rømer, a Danish astronomer. It is notable because it introduced a key concept that influenced the later development of other temperature scales, including Fahrenheit and Celcius.

Key Features of the Rømer Scale

Fixed Points: Rømer established the freezing point of water as 7.5 degrees. He set the boiling point of water at approximately 60 degrees.

Basis of the Rømer scale: The scale was based on a linear progression between these fixed points. He also used the freezing point of brine (a saltwater solution) as the zero point of the scale.

Division:The scale was divided into 60 equal parts between the freezing and boiling points of water, with brine freezing at zero.

Historical Significance

Rømer's scale was innovative because he used fixed, repeatable physical phenomena (like the freezing and boiling points of water) to define his scale.

Fahrenheit scale

His work influenced Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who modified Rømer's scale to create the Fahrenheit scale. Fahrenheit multiplied Rømer's intervals to get a more precise scale, with water freezing at 32°F and boiling at 212°F.
While the Rømer scale is no longer in use today, it played a foundational role in the development of modern temperature measurement systems. 

Celcius scale

The Celsius scale was not directly based on Rømer’s scale. It was independently developed by Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer, in 1742. While Celsius and Rømer both relied on fixed points (freezing and boiling points of water) for their scales, the two systems were distinct in their approach and origin. Anders Celsius defined his scale with 0 degrees as the boiling point of water and 100 degrees as the freezing point. This was the reverse of how the Celsius scale is used today. After Celsius's death, the scale was inverted to the modern format we use now, with 0°C as the freezing point and 100°C as the boiling point (often credited to Carl Linnaeus or others in the scientific community).

Temperature scale in Spain

In Spain and Barcelona the Celcius temperature scale is used. So now you know!

© Copyright Barcelonayellow.com
All rights reserved.
Do not copy text or images on this page without permission
Last Updated on Thursday, 23 January 2025 14:05
 

Thursday, 23 January 2025


Barcelona Tours
BarcelonaYellow Home
Hotels & hostels
Holiday apartments
Things to do in Barcelona
Restaurant guide
Nightlife - clubs & bars
Tickets & tours shop
Maps & travel planners
Events & exhibitions
Airports & transport
Shops & shopping
Schools & classes
Pictures of Barcelona
Employment & jobs
Property & long term rentals
Beaches, parks & gardens
Fitness & wellness
VO cinemas Barcelona
Sports & adventure sports
Community