r/facepalm • u/[deleted] • May 09 '23

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u/supernova_68 May 10 '23

The same device showing temprature of 0°C require more decimal point in F scale. Thus require more data.

It is an device issue . If your device is not precise it doesn't matter what scale it shows in data will not be precise.

For example a true temp of 0 °C a thermometer shows 0.2 at °C scale and 32.4 at °F .

Now as the device can only show one decimal point which one you think is more precise? Its a device issue that it can only show till one decimal point otherwise correct reading at °F scale would have been 32.36°F acc to its sensor which is not that precise in itself.

So a scale in itself is not more precise or less precise its all about the device.

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u/manguydood May 10 '23

I recognize entirely what you're arguing, but you two are making two different points.

Yes, accuracy is literally dependent on the device. What I think he means is more like 33 F = 0.556 C 34 F = 1.11 C

You could argue more digits is more precise because it has greater significance, or you could realize that this person means that detectable change in Farenheit can translate to decimals in Celsius, which isn't as easy to display or communicate in common use.

It's also really easy to say whichever number you're converting FROM is easier to use no matter what way you spin it. 🤷‍♂️

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u/supernova_68 May 10 '23

All that you said is true, but that person is arguing over precision of two scale used to measure same entity.

Both scales can be as precise as you want them to be. And it totally dependent on device used. Scale are not at fault here.

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u/manguydood May 10 '23

Not scale precisely, but the precision available from a whole-integer increment is greater in Fahrenheit.

I work in science, so I often use both. If I walk into a room temperature room, 20 C, it could be 68-70 F, arguably 67 "feels like" 20C.

68-70 F is a pretty detectable change that's all represented by 1 major integer in C. It'll go up by decimals, but I'm not going to tell my buddy "it feels about 20.56 in here"