Conversions between uncommon units of measurement can often feel confusing, especially when they involve less frequently used scales such as Delisle (°De) for temperature and Newton (N) for force. If you’ve ever wondered how to convert 36.89 Delisle to Newton, this guide provides a clear and straightforward explanation of the process, complete with background information, formulas, and step-by-step calculation.
Units Before Conversion
What is Delisle (°De)?
The Delisle scale is a historical temperature scale invented by the French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle in 1732. Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, the Delisle scale is an inverted scale, meaning higher temperatures are represented by lower values.
- Boiling point of water = 0 °De
- Freezing point of water = 150 °De
Because it is not commonly used today, converting from Delisle usually requires converting it into a modern temperature unit such as Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K) first.
The formula to convert Delisle (°De) to Celsius (°C) is: °C=100−23×°De°C = 100 – \frac{2}{3} \times °De°C=100−32×°De
What is Newton (N)?
The Newton (N) is a derived SI unit of force, named after Sir Isaac Newton. It is widely used in physics and engineering.
1 Newton is defined as: 1 N=1 kg⋅m/s21 \, N = 1 \, kg \cdot m/s^21N=1kg⋅m/s2
However, in the context of temperature-to-Newton conversion, we are actually dealing with the Newton temperature scale (°N), created by Isaac Newton in the 18th century. This scale is not the same as the SI force unit.
- Freezing point of water = 0 °N
- Boiling point of water = 33 °N
The formula to convert Celsius (°C) to Newton (°N) is: °N=°C×33100°N = °C \times \frac{33}{100}°N=°C×10033
Step-by-Step Conversion: 36.89 Delisle to Newton
Let’s now convert 36.89 °De into Newton (°N).
Step 1: Convert Delisle to Celsius
°C=100−23×36.89°C = 100 – \frac{2}{3} \times 36.89°C=100−32×36.89 °C=100−24.59°C = 100 – 24.59°C=100−24.59 °C=75.41°C = 75.41°C=75.41
So, 36.89 Delisle = 75.41 °C
Step 2: Convert Celsius to Newton
°N=°C×33100°N = °C \times \frac{33}{100}°N=°C×10033 °N=75.41×0.33°N = 75.41 \times 0.33°N=75.41×0.33 °N=24.89°N = 24.89°N=24.89
✅ Final Answer:
36.89 Delisle = 24.89 Newton (°N)
Why Is This Conversion Important?
Although both the Delisle and Newton temperature scales are rarely used today, they hold historical importance in the study of thermodynamics. Understanding such conversions is useful for:
- Researchers studying historical scientific documents.
- Students learning about obsolete temperature scales.
- Science enthusiasts exploring unit conversions.
Conversion Formula Recap
For quick reference, here’s the complete formula chain: °N=(100−23×°De)×33100°N = \left(100 – \frac{2}{3} \times °De\right) \times \frac{33}{100}°N=(100−32×°De)×10033
Plugging in 36.89 °De: °N=(100−23×36.89)×0.33=24.89°N = \left(100 – \frac{2}{3} \times 36.89\right) \times 0.33 = 24.89°N=(100−32×36.89)×0.33=24.89
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Newton unit here the same as the Newton used for force?
No. In this context, Newton refers to the Newton temperature scale (°N), not the force unit.
2. Why is the Delisle scale inverted?
Because it was designed with 0 °De at boiling point and 150 °De at freezing point, making it work in reverse compared to Celsius.
3. Are Delisle and Newton scales still in use today?
Not in practical science. They are mainly of historical and educational interest.
4. Can I directly convert Delisle to Newton without Celsius?
Yes, but it requires combining formulas. The safest way is the two-step process (Delisle → Celsius → Newton).
Conclusion
The conversion of 36.89 Delisle to Newton may look complicated at first, but when broken into steps, it becomes very straightforward. Using the formulas:
- Convert Delisle to Celsius → 75.41 °C
- Convert Celsius to Newton → 24.89 °N
So the final result is: 36.89 Delisle=24.89 Newton (°N)\mathbf{36.89 \, Delisle = 24.89 \, Newton \, (°N)}36.89Delisle=24.89Newton(°N)
By understanding the historical context and step-by-step calculation, you not only perform the conversion accurately but also gain insight into the fascinating evolution of temperature measurement.