Question

How was Fahrenheit's contribution a drastic change from previous thoughts?

A) He introduced a new temperature scale.
B) He discovered a new element.
C) He proved the existence of atoms.
D) He invented a new scientific method.

Answer 1

Fahrenheit introduced the mercury-based Fahrenheit temperature scale, which was a drastic change from the alcohol-based thermometers of the time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit's contribution represented a drastic change in temperature measurement by introducing a new temperature scale. Prior to his work, thermometers contained alcohol, which expanded and contracted with temperature. Fahrenheit's use of mercury and establishment of the Fahrenheit scale in 1724 with its arbitrary definitions—32°F for the freezing point of water and 212°F for boiling—differed from previous practice. Although not commonly used in scientific research, Fahrenheit's scale is a significant part of history as it introduced a more reliable and standardized method for measuring temperature.