temperature
Definition
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. The higher the temperature, the faster the particles are moving.
Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius or Kelvin. Degrees Celsius is the most common unit of temperature in everyday use. Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature.
There are many different ways to measure temperature. Some common ways include using a thermometer, a thermostat, or a heat sensor.
Temperature is important for many things. It affects how things work, how we feel, and how we dress.
Temperature is also important in many scientific processes. For example, the rate of chemical reactions depends on temperature.
How can the word be used?
The temperature of the water in the pool is 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- the degree of hotness or coldness of something.
- the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.
Adjective:
- relating to or having a particular temperature.
Etymology
The word "temperature" comes from the Latin word "temperatura", which means "mixture" or "tempering".
The first recorded use of the word "temperature" in English was in the 14th century.
The word "temperature" is a cognate of the French word "température" and the Spanish word "temperatura", both of which mean "temperature".
The literal meaning of the word "temperature" is "the state of being tempered".
Question
Why might it be important to measure the temperature of something?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of temperature and its effects on matter. Describe how temperature is measured and the units used for temperature scales. Provide an example of a real-world scenario where temperature changes have significant consequences on a material's properties or behaviour.
Answer:
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. It directly influences the physical properties and behaviour of matter. It determines whether substances are solid, liquid, or gas, as well as how they expand or contract.
Temperature is measured using various scales, with the Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) scales being the most common. The Celsius scale sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C under standard atmospheric conditions. The Fahrenheit scale uses similar reference points but with different values.
A real-world example of temperature's significance is seen in cooking. When baking bread, the temperature at which the bread is baked affects its texture and flavour. Too high a temperature might cause the bread to burn or become overly crispy, while too low a temperature could result in undercooked or doughy bread.