USCG Exam PracticeThermodynamics and heat exchangers
Which temperature scale must be used when applying gas-law and thermodynamic cycle calculations?
- A. Fahrenheit
- B. Celsius
- ✓ Absolute (Rankine or Kelvin)Correct
- D. Gauge temperature
Why C is correct
Absolute temperature scales (Rankine or Kelvin) must be used in gas-law and cycle calculations because absolute zero represents the point of no molecular motion. Relative scales such as Fahrenheit and Celsius do not have a true zero point and will produce errors in these calculations.
Cited:DOE-HDBK-1012 §1-1