Temperature Definition
Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of atoms in a substance. For example, higher readings on a thermometer indicate faster particle movement.
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Heat: Transfer of Thermal Energy
Fun Facts
- It takes more heat to raise the temperature of water than the temperature of metal.
- Temperature is not a property of particular materials. Materials exposed to the same conditions will have the same temperature.
- Temperature does not depend on size.
Why Do We Need To Know About Temperature
Learning about temperature helps us understand why it’s important to know how heat moves. For example, knowing why jackets keep us warm by not letting heat escape, or how emergency blankets keep body heat in, shows how temperature is used in making clothes and in first aid.
This knowledge is also used in things like solar cookers that cook food using the sun’s heat, and in everyday items like clothing irons. It’s important for flying planes, making computers, and studying the weather on other planets. Knowing about temperature is useful in many areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Full Lesson on Heat: Transfer of Thermal Energy
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another.
- Heating can occur by conduction, convection and radiation.
- Some materials can store more thermal energy than others.
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