FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Physics, Math and Fluid LinesEasy
A technician needs an absolute temperature value in degrees Rankine for a gas law calculation. The shop thermometer reads 68°F. What is this temperature in degrees Rankine?
- A588°R
- B528°R
- C68°R
- D293°R
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 528°R
Degrees Rankine equal degrees Fahrenheit plus 460 (the approximate absolute zero offset). 68 + 460 = 528°R, which is the correct absolute temperature for gas law use.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This results from an incorrect addition of 520 instead of 460.
- C. This ignores the 460° offset entirely.
- D. This is close to the Kelvin conversion value, not Rankine.
Rankine Temperature Scale
An absolute temperature scale used in gas law calculations where 0°R equals absolute zero; found by adding 460 to a Fahrenheit reading.
- °R = °F + 460
- Absolute zero = 0°R = -460°F
- Used with gas laws requiring absolute temperature in English units
Memory trick: 'Rank it up 460' — add 460 to Fahrenheit for Rankine.