Temperature

Definition

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It indicates how hot or cold an object is and is typically measured in degrees Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), or Kelvin (K).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C.
2. In the Kelvin scale, absolute zero (0 K) is the point where all molecular motion stops.
3. To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula F = (C × 9/5) + 32.
4. To convert from Celsius to Kelvin, use the formula K = C + 273.15.
5. Thermometers are common tools used to measure temperature and can be based on liquid expansion, electrical resistance, or infrared sensors.

Review Questions

• What are the freezing and boiling points of water on the Celsius scale?
• How do you convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
• What does absolute zero represent in terms of particle motion?

Related terms

Celsius:

A temperature scale where water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees.

Kelvin: The SI base unit for temperature where absolute zero is defined as 0 K.

Thermometer: An instrument used to measure temperature using various physical principles such as liquid expansion or electrical resistance.