Draft:Polehn Temperature Scale

Polehn Temperature Scale

The Polehn temperature scale (symbol: °P) is a temperature scale designed to redefine common temperature reference points using a simplified and human-centered system. It was created by David Polehn to establish an intuitive scale where 0°P represents the freezing point of water, and 100°P represents the average human body temperature.

Definition and Conversion

The Polehn scale is linearly related to the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. The two fixed reference points are:

0°P = 0°C = 32°F (freezing point of water)

100°P = 37°C = 98.6°F (average human body temperature)

Using these reference points, the conversion formulas are:

From Celsius to Polehn: $P=100/37*C$

From Polehn to Celsius: $37/100*P$

From Fahrenheit to Polehn: $500/333*(F-32)$

From Polehn to Fahrenheit: $333/500*P+32$

Comparison with Other Temperature Scales

The Polehn scale is designed to simplify temperature perception in everyday life, particularly in relation to human comfort and health. Below is a comparison of key temperature points:

Caption text

°P	°C	°F	Description
0	0	32	Freezing point of water
25	9.25	48.7	Cool spring day
50	18.5	65.3	Warm spring day
75	27.75	81.9	warm summer day
100	37	98.6	Average human body temperature
120	44.4	118.6	Hot day in Phoenix, Arizona
150	55.5	131.9	Very hot bathwater
200	75	165.2	Near boiling point of water

Applications

The Polehn scale is particularly beneficial for assessing environmental conditions due to its intuitive alignment with the freezing point of water. This makes it easier to evaluate safety-related factors such as the presence of ice on roads or sidewalks, which is crucial for walking or driving. The scale also provides a straightforward reference for extreme heat conditions, helping individuals assess potential heat-related risks in various climates.

See Also

Celsius Scale

Fahrenheit scale (°F)

Kelvin scale (K)

Rankine scale (°R)

Conversion calculations based on linear interpolation between Celsius and Fahrenheit.