Rankine (°R) - Unit Information & Conversion
What is a Rankine?
Definition
The Rankine scale (°R or °Ra) is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale named after the Scottish engineer and physicist William John Macquorn Rankine. Similar to the Kelvin scale, its zero point is absolute zero, but the degree size is the same as that of the Fahrenheit scale.
History
The scale was proposed by William Rankine in 1859, shortly after the Kelvin scale was developed. It was created to provide an absolute temperature scale that directly corresponded with the Fahrenheit degrees used widely in engineering at the time.
Common Uses
- Engineering (Thermodynamics): Used in some engineering fields, particularly in the United States, where calculations often involve Fahrenheit. It simplifies thermodynamic calculations (like the ideal gas law) when using Imperial units.
- Historical Context: Found in older engineering texts and data.
Unit FAQs
What is absolute zero on the Rankine scale?
Absolute zero is 0 °R, which is equivalent to -459.67 °F or -273.15 °C.
How does Rankine relate to Fahrenheit?
A change of 1 °R is equal to a change of 1 °F. The formula is °R = °F + 459.67.
How does Rankine relate to Kelvin?
The Rankine scale uses Fahrenheit degrees, while Kelvin uses Celsius degrees. Both start at absolute zero. The formula is °R = K × 9/5.
Rankine Conversion Formulas
To Celsius:
To Fahrenheit:
To Kelvin:
To Réaumur:
To Rømer:
To Newton:
To Delisle:
Convert Rankine
Need to convert Rankine to other temperature units? Use our conversion tool.