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Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs

Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:04 PM IST

Introduction
In this article our focus will be on temperature, temperature definition, what is the temperature, temperature meaning, types of temperature etc.

What is the temperature? Or define Temperature. Or What is the definition of temperature?

Temperature is a measure of hotness or coldness expressed on any of numerous arbitrary scales that indicates the direction in which heat energy would naturally flow—that is, from a hotter (higher) body to a colder (lower) body (one at a lower temperature). Temperature is not the same as energy in a thermodynamic system; for example, a burning match has a significantly higher temperature than an iceberg, but the total heat energy in an iceberg is far greater than the energy in a match. Temperature, like pressure or density, is referred to as an intensive property—one that is unaffected by the amount of stuff being considered—as distinguished from extensive properties, such as mass or volume

Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs
Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs

Mainly three temperature scales are widely used. Out of them, the Fahrenheit (°F) temperature scale and Celsius (°C) temperature scale is widely used in science and is used practically everywhere. The Kelvin (K) scale is the international standard for measuring temperature in scientific applications.

In some technological specialties, a distinct absolute temperature scale, the Rankine scale (see William Rankine), is chosen over the Kelvin scale. The kelvin equals one Celsius degree, while the degree Rankine (°R) equals one Fahrenheit degree.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Réaumur (°Re) temperature scale (or octogesima division) was commonly employed in areas of Europe; it was afterwards largely used to measure the temperature of combinations during brewing, syrups in the preparation of specific culinary products, and milk during cheese production.

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What do you mean by temperature? Or Temperature Definition Physics

Temperature is a term used in physics to describe the physical properties of matter that quantify the hotness or coldness of a body. We used to judge temperature based on human perception - whether an object was hot or cool was largely judged by human touch before the formation of the idea of temperature. This, however, is not correct. A wooden table, for example, may appear warmer than a metal cycle rod on a cold morning. Both, however, have the same temperature due to the external environment. Metal, as a greater conductor of heat, pulls heat away from your body faster than wood, making it cooler (a poor conductor of heat). The physical quantity measured with a thermometer is a simple temperature definition in science. The kinetic energy of the molecules and atoms inside an item, on the other hand, are intimately connected to temperature.

Temperature and Kinetic Energy

According to physics, an object's kinetic energy is the energy it has as a result of its motion. Kinetic energy exists in every molecule or atom. Even when molecules are closely packed in solids, they all have vibrational energy. The average kinetic energy of all molecules is referred to as temperature. When heat is absorbed by a substance, the molecules begin to move quicker. This raises the kinetic energy of the object. As a result, the substance's temperature begins to rise. The movement of molecules can eventually lead to their separation as they move away from one another. When the temperature of a solid rises, for example, the molecules begin to move quicker, causing the solid to expand. If the temperature climbs to the melting point of the solid, it will eventually change state. Heat is the transfer of energy from an object having higher temperature to an object having lower temperature.

Example of Temperature

Many people mistake temperature for energy, which is not the case. Temperature is just a measurement of one atom or molecule's average kinetic energy. Temperature and humidity are displayed in two columns during weather reports. Because of human perception rather than temperature changes, hot and humid days are perceived as hotter than hot and dry days. If the temperature is the same but the humidity is high, a person may feel hotter because sweat does not drain as quickly on humid days as it does on dry days. Sweat evaporates, allowing us to stay cooler

What is the Absolute Zero?

Absolute zero is the coldest temperature on the planet. 0 Kelvin, or -273.15 degrees Celsius, or -460 degrees Fahrenheit, is the temperature. There is no heat energy in a substance at absolute zero temperature. At this temperature, the particles in a perfect crystal will be immobile, which means that their kinetic energy will be zero. Although absolute zero is theoretically possible, humans have yet to see absolute zero temperatures in practice. Using cryocoolers and dilution refrigerators, we have been able to get near to absolute zero.

Units of Temperature

Temperature has units to express it since it is a physical quantity. The SI unit of temperature is Kelvin. However, we also use the Celsius and Fahrenheit units to measure temperature. We know,

Units of Temperature1642411411760

Units of Temperature


How do Thermometers Measure Temperature?

Thermometers are commonly used to determine a person's temperature. A temperature sensor, such as the bulb of a mercury-in-glass thermometer, and a numerical scale are the two most important components of a thermometer. The principle of thermal expansion governs the operation of a mercury thermometer. The change in volume of a substance caused by a change in temperature is known as thermal expansion. Mercury is utilized in thermometers because it is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. As the mercury inside the thermometer expands and climbs upwards, a rise in temperature is soon noted. The temperature is measured using the numeric scale of the thermometer. Celsius thermometers, Fahrenheit thermometers, and Kelvin thermometers are the three types of thermometers.

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Temperature Scales

Because thermometers must be of a certain length, each one has a fixed scale. Because the fixed scale used for Celsius thermometers is set at the freezing and boiling points of water, they are simple to make. The lower fixed point of a Celsius thermometer is 0°C (the freezing point of water) and the upper fixed point is 100°C (boiling point of water). The lower fixed point on a Fahrenheit thermometer is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, while the upper fixed point is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower fixed point of a Kelvin thermometer is 273 degrees Celsius, and the upper fixed point is 373 degrees Celsius. We may also deduce the relationship between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin from these fixed points.


Temperature Scales

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NCERT Physics Notes :

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is meant by temperature? Or temperature meaning.

Temperature is a measure of hotness or coldness expressed on any of numerous arbitrary scales that indicates the direction in which heat energy would naturally flow—that is, from a hotter (higher) body to a colder (lower) body (one at a lower temperature). Temperature is not the same as energy in a thermodynamic system; for example, a burning match has a significantly higher temperature than an iceberg, but the total heat energy in an iceberg is far greater than the energy in a match. Temperature, like pressure or density, is referred to as an intensive property—one that is unaffected by the amount of stuff being considered—as distinguished from extensive properties, such as mass or volume.

2. Define temperature meaning in physics. Or What is temperature in science?/What is the temperature in Science?/Write temperature definition science.

Temperature is a term used in physics to describe the physical properties of matter that quantify the hotness or coldness of a body. We used to judge temperature based on human perception - whether an object was hot or cool was largely judged by human touch before the formation of the idea of temperature. This, however, is not correct. A wooden table, for example, may appear warmer than a metal cycle rod on a cold morning. Both, however, have the same temperature due to the external environment. Metal, as a greater conductor of heat, pulls heat away from your body faster than wood, making it cooler (a poor conductor of heat). The physical quantity measured with a thermometer is a simple temperature definition in science. The kinetic energy of the molecules and atoms inside an item, on the other hand, are intimately connected to temperature.

3. What are the types of temperature?/How many types of temperature?

Mainly three temperature scales are widely used. Out of them, the Fahrenheit (°F) temperature scale and Celsius (°C) temperature scale is widely used in science and is used practically everywhere. The Kelvin (K) scale is the international standard for measuring temperature in scientific applications.

In some technological specialties, a distinct absolute temperature scale, the Rankine scale (see William Rankine), is chosen over the Kelvin scale. The kelvin equals one Celsius degree, while the degree Rankine (°R) equals one Fahrenheit degree.

4. Define body temperature. Or body temperature definition

The ability of your body to produce and remove heat is measured by its temperature. Even when the temperature outside the body fluctuates a lot, the body is very good at maintaining a safe temperature range. A person's typical body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. What is mean temperature?/Write temperature meaning in english.

During a certain time period, usually a day, month, or year, the average temperature of the air as measured by a suitably exposed thermometer.

6. What does the temperature measure?

Average kinetic energy of an object is measured by the temperature.

7. How temperature is measured?/How to temperature check?

Thermometer is used to measure the temperature.

8. Who is the temperature measurer?/ Who measured temperature first?

Daniel Fahrenheit

9. What is the temperature of earth?/Which temperature is average for earth?

The average temperature is 14 degree celsius.

10. What is temperature and how is it different from heat?
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, indicating how hot or cold it is. Heat, on the other hand, is the transfer of thermal energy between objects due to a temperature difference. While temperature is a property of an object, heat is energy in transit.
11. Why does a metal spoon feel colder than a wooden spoon at room temperature?
Both spoons are actually at the same temperature, but the metal spoon feels colder because it's a better conductor of heat. It transfers heat away from your hand more quickly, creating the sensation of coldness. This illustrates the difference between temperature and our perception of hot and cold.
12. Can temperature ever be negative?
Yes, temperature can be negative on certain scales like Celsius and Fahrenheit. However, on the Kelvin scale, which is based on absolute zero, temperature cannot be negative. Negative temperatures on other scales simply indicate conditions colder than their respective zero points.
13. What is the lowest possible temperature and why?
The lowest possible temperature is absolute zero, which is 0 Kelvin or -273.15°C. At this temperature, particles have the least possible thermal energy. It's theoretically impossible to reach absolute zero due to the laws of thermodynamics.
14. What's the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales?
Celsius and Fahrenheit are two different temperature scales. In Celsius, water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C, while in Fahrenheit, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F. The formula to convert between them is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32.
15. What happens to the temperature of water as it boils?
During boiling, the temperature of water remains constant at 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. This is because all the heat energy is being used to change the water from liquid to gas (phase change) rather than increasing its temperature.
16. How does adding salt affect the boiling point of water?
Adding salt to water raises its boiling point. This phenomenon is called boiling point elevation. The dissolved salt ions interfere with water molecules escaping into the gas phase, requiring more energy (and thus a higher temperature) for boiling to occur.
17. Why do we feel cooler when we sweat?
Sweating cools us through evaporative cooling. As sweat evaporates from our skin, it absorbs heat energy from our body, lowering our skin temperature. This process is more effective in dry environments where evaporation occurs more readily.
18. How does a thermostat work to maintain room temperature?
A thermostat works through a feedback mechanism. It measures the room temperature and compares it to the set temperature. If the room is too cold, it signals the heating system to turn on. If it's too warm, it either turns off the heating or activates cooling, maintaining the desired temperature.
19. Why does alcohol feel cold when it evaporates from your skin?
Alcohol evaporates quickly, and evaporation is an endothermic process, meaning it absorbs heat. When alcohol evaporates from your skin, it takes heat energy from your skin, creating a cooling sensation. This is the same principle behind sweating.
20. How do thermometers measure temperature?
Most thermometers work on the principle of thermal expansion. As temperature increases, the liquid (usually mercury or alcohol) in the thermometer expands and rises in the narrow tube. The height of the liquid corresponds to markings on the scale, indicating the temperature.
21. Why does blowing on hot food cool it down?
Blowing on hot food increases the rate of heat transfer through convection and evaporation. It replaces the layer of hot air above the food with cooler air, increasing the temperature gradient. If the food is moist, it also promotes evaporation, which absorbs heat and cools the food.
22. What's the relationship between temperature and pressure in a sealed container of gas?
In a sealed container, temperature and pressure of a gas are directly proportional, as described by Gay-Lussac's law. As temperature increases, the gas molecules move faster, colliding more frequently with the container walls, thus increasing pressure.
23. How does the expansion of water when it freezes affect the environment?
Water is unique because it expands when it freezes, unlike most substances which contract. This property causes ice to float and can lead to the bursting of pipes in cold weather. In nature, it helps aquatic life survive in frozen lakes as the ice forms a protective layer on top.
24. What is specific heat capacity and why is it important?
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one unit mass of a substance by one degree. It's important because it determines how quickly a substance heats up or cools down, affecting its use in various applications, from cooking to industrial processes.
25. How does the greenhouse effect relate to temperature?
The greenhouse effect is a process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, warming the planet. These gases allow sunlight to pass through but absorb and re-emit infrared radiation from the Earth's surface, increasing the overall temperature. This process is crucial for life but can lead to global warming if enhanced by human activities.
26. Why do metals expand when heated?
When metals are heated, their atoms vibrate more vigorously. This increased vibration causes the atoms to take up more space, leading to thermal expansion. This property is important in engineering and can be observed in everyday phenomena like the expansion joints in bridges.
27. How does temperature affect the resistance of a conductor?
In most conductors, resistance increases with temperature. As temperature rises, the atoms in the conductor vibrate more, increasing the likelihood of collisions with electrons, thus increasing resistance. This relationship is nearly linear for many metals over a wide range of temperatures.
28. How does the temperature of the human body remain relatively constant?
The human body maintains a nearly constant internal temperature through a process called thermoregulation. This involves various mechanisms like sweating, shivering, and adjusting blood flow to the skin. The hypothalamus in the brain acts as a thermostat, initiating these responses to keep body temperature around 37°C (98.6°F).
29. Why does a cup of coffee cool down faster than a pot of coffee?
A cup of coffee cools down faster than a pot due to its larger surface area to volume ratio. Heat loss occurs primarily at the surface, and the cup has more surface area relative to its volume. Additionally, the smaller volume of liquid in the cup has less thermal mass, allowing it to change temperature more quickly.
30. How does temperature affect the solubility of gases in liquids?
Generally, the solubility of gases in liquids decreases as temperature increases. This is because higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of gas molecules, making it easier for them to overcome the attractive forces of the liquid and escape. This principle explains why carbonated drinks go flat faster when warm.
31. What is the difference between heat capacity and specific heat capacity?
Heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of an object by one degree, while specific heat capacity is the heat capacity per unit mass. Heat capacity depends on the amount of substance, while specific heat capacity is a property of the material itself, independent of quantity.
32. Why does the temperature remain constant during a phase change?
During a phase change (like melting or boiling), the temperature remains constant because the added heat energy is used to break intermolecular bonds rather than increase kinetic energy. This energy, called latent heat, changes the phase of the substance without changing its temperature.
33. What is the difference between heat conduction and convection?
Heat conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between particles of matter, without any motion of the matter as a whole. Convection, on the other hand, involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) to transfer heat. In convection, hotter, less dense fluid rises while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.
34. What is the urban heat island effect and how does it impact temperature?
The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. It's caused by factors like heat-absorbing surfaces (e.g., asphalt), reduced vegetation, and heat generated by human activities. This effect can lead to higher temperatures, increased energy consumption for cooling, and local climate changes in cities.
35. How does temperature affect the viscosity of liquids?
Generally, the viscosity of liquids decreases as temperature increases. Higher temperatures give liquid molecules more kinetic energy, allowing them to overcome intermolecular forces more easily and flow more freely. This is why honey flows more easily when warm and why motor oil becomes thinner at higher temperatures.
36. What is the relationship between temperature and electrical conductivity in semiconductors?
Unlike metals, semiconductors generally increase in electrical conductivity as temperature rises. This is because higher temperatures provide enough energy for electrons to jump from the valence band to the conduction band, increasing the number of charge carriers. This property is fundamental to the operation of many electronic devices.
37. How does the temperature of the ocean affect global climate?
Ocean temperature plays a crucial role in global climate. Warmer oceans can lead to more evaporation, potentially increasing atmospheric moisture and affecting weather patterns. Ocean currents, driven by temperature and salinity differences, distribute heat around the globe, significantly influencing regional climates and weather systems.
38. What is the concept of thermal inertia and how does it affect temperature changes?
Thermal inertia is the ability of a material to resist changes in temperature. Materials with high thermal inertia (like water) take longer to heat up or cool down compared to those with low thermal inertia (like air). This property is important in climate science, building design, and understanding temperature fluctuations in different environments.
39. How does temperature affect the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency typically decreases as temperature increases. Higher temperatures increase the electrical resistance in the panel, reducing its power output. This is why solar panels often perform better in cooler, sunny conditions than in very hot weather, despite receiving more sunlight in summer.
40. What is the relationship between temperature and pressure in the atmosphere?
In the atmosphere, temperature and pressure are inversely related at a given altitude. As you go higher in the atmosphere, both temperature and pressure generally decrease. This relationship is complex and varies with altitude, leading to different layers in the atmosphere like the troposphere and stratosphere.
41. What is the role of temperature in superconductivity?
Superconductivity occurs when certain materials, cooled below a critical temperature, conduct electricity with zero resistance. This critical temperature varies for different materials. The discovery of high-temperature superconductors has been a significant area of research, as it could lead to more practical applications of this phenomenon.
42. How does temperature affect the rate of chemical reactions?
Generally, higher temperatures increase the rate of chemical reactions. This is because higher temperatures provide more kinetic energy to molecules, increasing the frequency and energy of collisions between reactant molecules. This relationship is described by the Arrhenius equation and is fundamental in chemistry and biochemistry.
43. How does the temperature of the Earth's core affect its magnetic field?
The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core, a process called the geodynamo. The high temperature of the core (around 5400°C) keeps the outer core liquid and allows for convection currents, which are crucial for maintaining the Earth's magnetic field.
44. What is the relationship between temperature and the speed of chemical reactions in living organisms?
In living organisms, temperature affects the rate of enzymatic reactions. Generally, as temperature increases, reaction rates increase up to an optimal point. Beyond this, high temperatures can denature enzymes, slowing or stopping reactions. This is why maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial for many organisms.
45. What is the concept of color temperature in lighting and how does it relate to actual temperature?
Color temperature in lighting refers to the apparent color of a light source, measured in Kelvin (K). It's based on the color a black body radiator would emit at that temperature. Counterintuitively, "warm" colors like red and orange have lower color temperatures (2700-3000K), while "cool" blues have higher color temperatures (5000K+). This concept is important in photography, film, and lighting design.
46. How does temperature affect the behavior of supercritical fluids?
Supercritical fluids exist above a substance's critical temperature and pressure. At these conditions, the distinction between liquid and gas phases disappears. Temperature changes can dramatically affect properties like density, viscosity, and solvent power of supercritical fluids, making them useful in various industrial processes and green chemistry applications.
47. What is the relationship between temperature and the speed of sound in solids?
In solids, the speed of sound generally increases with temperature. This is because higher temperatures increase the elastic properties of the material, allowing sound waves to propagate faster. However, this relationship is more complex than in gases and can vary depending on the specific properties of the solid.
48. What is the role of temperature in the formation and behavior of neutron stars?
Temperature plays a crucial role in neutron star evolution and behavior. Newly formed neutron stars are extremely hot (billions of degrees), but they cool over time through various emission processes. The temperature affects the star's internal structure, its emission spectrum, and phenomena like pulsar glitches and magnetar outbursts.
49. How does temperature affect the properties of exotic states of matter like quark-gluon plasma?
Quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter thought to have existed in the early universe, forms at extremely high temperatures (trillions of degrees). At these temperatures, quarks and gluons, usually
50. How does a fever indicate illness in the body?
A fever is an elevated body temperature, typically above 38°C (100.4°F). It's often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. The increased temperature can help the immune system work more efficiently and create an environment less favorable for pathogens.
51. What is thermal equilibrium?
Thermal equilibrium is the state where two or more objects in contact have reached the same temperature. At this point, there's no net heat transfer between the objects. This concept is fundamental to understanding heat flow and the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
52. What is the triple point of water and why is it significant?
The triple point of water is the temperature and pressure at which water can exist simultaneously as a solid, liquid, and gas in equilibrium. It occurs at 273.16 K (0.01°C) and a pressure of 611.73 Pa. This point is used as a fixed point in defining the Kelvin temperature scale.
53. How does the concept of absolute zero relate to the behavior of gases?
Absolute zero (0 K or -273.15°C) is the theoretical temperature at which gas molecules have no kinetic energy. As a gas approaches absolute zero, its volume would theoretically approach zero (in reality, gases condense before reaching this point). This concept is the basis for the ideal gas law and the Kelvin temperature scale.
54. How does temperature affect the speed of sound in air?
The speed of sound in air increases with temperature. As temperature rises, air molecules move faster, allowing sound waves to propagate more quickly. The relationship is approximately linear, with the speed of sound increasing by about 0.6 meters per second for each degree Celsius increase in temperature.
55. How does the temperature of a star relate to its color?
The temperature of a star is directly related to its color. Hotter stars appear blue or white, while cooler stars appear red or orange. This is due to blackbody radiation: as an object's temperature increases, the peak wavelength of its emitted light shifts towards the blue end of the spectrum. This principle is used in astronomy to determine star temperatures.
56. How does the temperature of a black hole compare to that of other objects in the universe?
The concept of temperature for black holes is complex. While the interior of a black hole is thought to be extremely hot, the surface (event horizon) emits Hawking radiation, giving it an effective temperature. Surprisingly, supermassive black holes can have very low temperatures, potentially colder than the cosmic microwave background.
57. What is the concept of negative absolute temperature and how is it possible?
Negative absolute temperature is a concept that can occur in systems with a limited number of energy states, like certain quantum systems. It doesn't mean temperatures below absolute zero, but rather a state where higher energy states are more populated than lower ones. These systems are actually hotter than any positive temperature system.
58. How does temperature affect the properties of plasmas?
Temperature greatly influences plasma properties. As temperature increases, the degree of ionization in a plasma typically increases. Higher temperatures lead to more energetic particles, affecting phenomena like electrical conductivity, magnetic field interactions, and fusion reactions. This is crucial in fields like astrophysics and fusion energy research.
59. How does the concept of temperature apply in quantum mechanics?
In quantum mechanics, temperature is related to the distribution of energy states in a system. At very low temperatures, quantum effects become more pronounced, leading to phenomena like Bose-Einstein condensates. The concept of temperature in quantum systems can be more complex, involving ideas like spin temperature and negative absolute temperature.

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Natural elements like latitude, height, and the existence of ocean currents affect a region's temperature characteristics. Factors like a region's closeness to mountain ranges and predominant winds might affect its precipitation characteristics.

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Correct Answer: wild


Solution : The first option is correct.

The threats mentioned in the passage, such as habitat destruction and conflicts with local people, suggest that the context is about the challenges faced by elephants in their natural, wild habitat. So, wild is the appropriate word in this context.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

  • Tame means domesticated or trained.
  • Dangerous means posing a risk of harm.
  • Elegant means graceful or stylish.
Therefore, the complete sentence is, "Other threats to wild elephants include habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. Elephants are used as working animals in Asia".

Correct Answer: vulnerable
 


Solution : The correct answer is vulnerable.

Majority of the maize production depends on natural rainfall, making it vulnerable to variable rainfall patterns.

Explanation:

Only the word "vulnerable" will do to fill in the blank and make the sentence comprehensible.
It denotes being at risk of attack or harm, either physically or psychologically.

Meaning of the rest of the words

Nefarious: wicked or criminal, usually used to describe an action or activity.

Condemn-express complete disapproval of; censure:

Tacit- understood or implied without being stated.

Correct Answer: The process occurs at a temperature above 430oC at atmospheric pressure.


Solution : The answer is The process occurs at a temperature above 430oC at atmospheric pressure.

Pyrolysis is a disintegration technology that converts organic biomass into liquids rich in carbon content that can be further used as hydrocarbon fuels. Pyrolysis happens in the absence of oxygen and is done at temperatures between 400°C and 800°C under high-pressure conditions.

Correct Answer: Charles's law


Solution : The correct answer is Charles's law.

Jacques Charles developed Charles' Law, in 1787. At constant pressure, the volume of a given mass of gas is precisely proportional to its temperature, according to this rule. At constant pressure, this is expressed mathematically as V/T = constant.

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