Three thermometers are in the same water bath. After thermal equilibrium is established, it is found that the Celsius thermometer reads 0 °C, the Fahrenheit thermometer reads 12°F, and the Kelvin thermometer reads 273 K. Which one of the following statements is the most reasonable conclusion?

a) the Kelvin thermometer is incorrect

b) the Celsius thermometer is incorrect

c) the Fahrenheit thermometer is incorrect

d) the three thermometers are all at different temperatures

C) the Fahrenheit thermometer is incorrect

Explanation:

Since

1) K = °C + 273

2) °F = 9/5 °C + 32

for 0 °C

1) K = 0°C + 273 = 273 K

2) °F = 9/5 * 0°C + 32 = 32 °F

Thus the Kelvin thermometer measurement coincides with the Celsius measurement but not with the °F. On the other hand, if the Fahrenheit measurement is right, the Celsius thermometer and the Kelvin one should be wrong.

Therefore is more reasonable to assume that one thermometer failed (the one of Fahrenheit and both Kelvin and Celsius are right) that 2 thermometers (Celsius and Kelvin thermometers fail and the one of Fahrenheit is right)