Final answer:
The Fahrenheit scale defines the freezing point of water at 32°F and boiling point at 212°F, which are key for identifying its physical state as either solid, liquid, or gas. These states are temperature-dependent and have unique characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fahrenheit scale is a temperature scale where water's freezing point is at 32°F and its boiling point is at 212°F. These two temperature points are crucial for understanding the physical states of water - solid, liquid, and gas. The state of water is determined by its temperature, which follows specific physical properties unique to each state.
For instance, water below 0°C (which is equivalent to below 32°F on the Fahrenheit scale) will be a solid (ice), between 0°C and 100°C (32°F to 212°F in Fahrenheit) it is in liquid form, and above 100°C (212°F Fahrenheit) water turns into a gas (steam). It is also crucial to note that at sufficiently low pressures, water can transition from solid to gas in a process called sublimation, bypassing the liquid phase.