Temperature
Definition
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a system. It determines how much thermal energy these particles have.
Analogy
Think of temperature like the speedometer in your car. Just as the speedometer measures how fast your car is moving (kinetic energy), temperature measures how fast or slow molecules are moving around in a substance.
Related terms
Heat: This is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another because of a difference in temperature.
Thermodynamics: The study of heat and other forms of energy, and their transformation from one form to another.
Kinetic Energy: The energy an object possesses due to its motion.
"Temperature" appears in:
Subjects (3)
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.