Temperature

Definition

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It determines the direction of heat flow between objects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temperature is typically measured in degrees Celsius (°C), Kelvin (K), or Fahrenheit (°F).
2. The Kelvin scale is often used in scientific contexts because it starts at absolute zero, where all molecular motion ceases.
3. Temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions; higher temperatures generally increase reaction rates.
4. In thermochemistry, temperature changes can influence enthalpy and entropy calculations.
5. The relationship between temperature and volume for gases is described by Charles's Law: $V_1/T_1 = V_2/T_2$.

Review Questions

• What are the three common scales for measuring temperature?
• Why is the Kelvin scale preferred in scientific measurements?
• How does temperature affect the rate of chemical reactions?

Related terms

Kinetic Energy:

The energy possessed by an object due to its motion, directly related to temperature at the molecular level.

Enthalpy:

A thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system, influenced by temperature changes.

Entropy:

\(S\) A measure of disorder or randomness in a system, often affected by temperature variations.