Convert Romer to Newton in 3 Clicks

Ever wondered how 18th-century scientists measured heat before Celsius dominated? Converting Rømer to Newton isn't just about numbers—it's a journey through forgotten scientific rivalries. These two temperature scales, now collecting dust in history books, reveal how early researchers grappled with quantifying thermal energy using everything from brine solutions to linseed oil. Let's explore this niche conversion that connects Danish astronomy with British physics.

Unit definitions

What is a Rømer (°Rø)?

• Description: Developed by Danish astronomer Ole Christensen Rømer in 1701
• Symbol: °Rø
• Common uses: Early Scandinavian temperature measurements
• Definition: Freezing point of water at 7.5°Rø, boiling point at 60°Rø

What is a Newton (°N)?

• Description: Created by Isaac Newton around 1700
• Symbol: °N
• Common uses: Experimental physics during Newton's era
• Definition: Based on melting snow (0°N) and boiling water (33°N)

Conversion formula

The mathematical relationship between these scales is: N = (Rø - 7.5) × 22/35

Example calculations

1. Converting 20°Rø to Newton: (20 - 7.5) = 12.5
   12.5 × (22/35) ≈ 7.8571°N
2. Converting -10°Rø to Newton: (-10 - 7.5) = -17.5
   -17.5 × (22/35) = -11°N

Conversion tables

Rømer to Newton

Newton to Rømer

From Copenhagen to Cambridge: A Temperature Tale

The Rømer-Newton connection represents more than units—it's a clash of scientific cultures. Rømer, best known for first measuring the speed of light, created his scale using a mercury thermometer calibrated with ammonium chloride brine. His system became Denmark's official standard for 60 years. Newton's approach was more experimental; he used linseed oil's expansion properties and divided his scale into 12 "degrees" initially before settling on 33 divisions between freezing and boiling.

Interestingly, both scales benefit from water-based definitions, but their creators approached temperature differently. Rømer wanted practical measurements for everyday use, while Newton sought fundamental thermal relationships. Their scales overlapped briefly before being overshadowed by Fahrenheit and Celsius.

Interesting facts

1. Daniel Fahrenheit visited Rømer in 1708, later adapting his scale into the Fahrenheit system
2. Newton's original thermometer used linseed oil because mercury wasn't widely available
3. 60°Rø equals exactly 33°N—the boiling point of water in both systems
4. Rømer's scale influenced temperature standardization in 18th-century Europe
5. Newton never published his temperature work formally; it was found in personal notes

FAQ