π Introduction to Heat and Temperature
Heat and temperature are related concepts in physics, but they are not the same. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, while heat is the transfer of energy between objects or systems due to a temperature difference.
π‘οΈ Definition of Temperature
Temperature is a physical quantity that expresses the hotness or coldness of a substance. It's directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules making up the substance. The faster these particles are moving, the higher the temperature.
π₯ Definition of Heat
Heat, on the other hand, is the transfer of thermal energy between objects or systems with different temperatures. This transfer occurs spontaneously from the hotter object to the cooler object until thermal equilibrium is reached (i.e., both objects are at the same temperature).
π Heat vs. Temperature: A Detailed Comparison
| Feature |
Temperature |
Heat |
| Definition |
Measure of average kinetic energy of particles. |
Transfer of thermal energy. |
| Measurement Unit |
Kelvin (K), Celsius (Β°C), Fahrenheit (Β°F) |
Joule (J), Calorie (cal) |
| Type of Quantity |
Intensive property |
Extensive property |
| Dependence on Mass |
Independent of mass |
Dependent on mass |
| Measuring Device |
Thermometer |
Calorimeter |
| Equation Examples |
N/A (Temperature is a state variable) |
$Q = mc\Delta T$ (Heat Transfer) |
π‘ Key Takeaways
- π‘οΈ Temperature measures the average kinetic energy; heat is the transfer of that energy.
- π₯ Heat flows from hotter objects to colder objects.
- π’ Temperature is an intensive property, while heat is an extensive property.
- π§ͺ A thermometer measures temperature; a calorimeter measures heat.
- π Heat is energy in transit, temperature is the state of an object.
