Temperature — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A property related to average microscopic particle motion in a simple material model. (Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems)
- A measure related to average particle kinetic energy. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
Where it is taught
- Heat, Temperature & Thermal Energy — Energy, Heat & Thermal Design, Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems, Grade 6
- Temperature & Thermal Energy — Phases of Matter, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
In use
Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of the particles, so it tells you how violently each particle is moving and nothing about how many there are.
Heat, Temperature & Thermal Energy
In a simple particle model, temperature relates to their average kinetic energy.
Temperature & Thermal Energy
Questions using temperature
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
No. Amount and material matter. The comparison separates average particle behavior from the whole sample’s energy account.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
No. Microscopic motion continues; equilibrium concerns the absence of a net temperature-driven transfer between the compared systems.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
Both cups are warmer than the room, so net heat transfer tends outward and they cool. A has the higher temperature, while B contains more water. Without a stated energy model and reference, these readings alone do not justify a complete numerical total-energy comparison. Degrees Celsius cannot simply be relabeled as joules.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 4
- temperature: A property related to average microscopic particle motion in a simple material model.
- Heat is a material substance stored inside an object.
- The hotter sample must always have the greater total thermal energy.
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation
temperature: A property related to average microscopic particle motion in a simple material model.
A property related to average microscopic particle motion in a simple material model. Both cups are warmer than the room, so net heat transfer tends outward and they cool. A has the higher temperature, while B contains more water. Without a stated energy model and reference, these readings alone do not justify a complete numerical total-energy comparison. Degrees Celsius cannot simply be relabeled as joules.