What is the Réaumur Temperature Scale?

The Réaumur temperature scale, also known as the "octogesimal division," was created by the French scientist Ren Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur in 1731. It is one of the earliest temperature measurement systems, dividing the freezing and boiling points of water into 80 equal parts.

Key Features of the Raumur Scale

• The freezing point of water is defined as 0° Réaumur (°Re).
• The boiling point of water is set at 80° Réaumur (°Re).
• The scale uses alcohol-based thermometers, making it ideal for specific industrial applications.

History and Usage

The Réaumur scale was widely used in Europe during the 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly in France, Italy, and Germany. It found applications in the dyeing industry, where precision in temperature measurement was crucial. However, it eventually fell out of favor with the rise of the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales, which offered more widespread practicality.

Réaumur to Celsius and Fahrenheit Conversion

Converting between the Réaumur scale and other temperature scales is straightforward:

• Réaumur to Celsius: Multiply the Réaumur value by 1.25.
• Réaumur to Fahrenheit: Multiply the Réaumur value by 2.25, then add 32.

Example: To convert 40° Réaumur to Celsius: 40 × 1.25 = 50°C.

Significance in Modern Science

Although the Réaumur scale is no longer in common use, it holds historical significance in the study of thermodynamics. Its precise division made it a preferred choice in specific scientific experiments during its time.