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Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs

Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs

Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 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.

Temperature - Definition, Example, Unit, FAQs
Temperature

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

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.

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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 :

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is temperature and how is it different from heat?
A:
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.
Q: Why does a metal spoon feel colder than a wooden spoon at room temperature?
A:
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.
Q: Can temperature ever be negative?
A:
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.
Q: What is the lowest possible temperature and why?
A:
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.
Q: What's the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales?
A:
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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the concept of temperature apply in quantum mechanics?
A:
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.
Q: How does temperature affect the properties of plasmas?
A:
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.
Q: What is the concept of negative absolute temperature and how is it possible?
A:
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.
Q: How does the temperature of a black hole compare to that of other objects in the universe?
A:
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.
Q: How does the temperature of a star relate to its color?
A:
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.
Q: How does temperature affect the speed of sound in air?
A:
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.
Q: How does the concept of absolute zero relate to the behavior of gases?
A:
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.
Q: What is the triple point of water and why is it significant?
A:
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.
Q: How does temperature affect the properties of exotic states of matter like quark-gluon plasma?
A:
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
Q: What is the role of temperature in superconductivity?
A:
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.
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On Question asked by student community

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Which is the main factor influencing the distribution of temperature ?

Hello aspirant,

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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Hope it helps you

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S
Sajal Trivedi
9 Nov'24

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
All elephants (1) ______ several distinctive features, the most notable of which is a long trunk or proboscis, used for many (2) _______, particularly breathing, lifting water, and grasping objects. Their incisors grow (3) _______ tusks, which can serve as weapons and as tools for moving objects and digging. Elephants' large ear flaps help to control their body temperature. Their pillar-like legs (4) _______ carry their great weight. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs, while Asian elephants have smaller ears and convex or level backs. One of the biggest threats to elephant populations is the ivory trade, as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks. Other threats to (5) ________ elephants include habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. Elephants are used as working animals in Asia. In the past, they were used in war; today, they are often put on display in zoos and circuses.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank number 5.

Option 1: wild

Option 2: tame

Option 3: dangerous

Option 4: elegant

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".
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T
Team Careers360
27 Jan'24

Question :  There are few words missing in the passage given below. The options given contain an answer that will fit in those given blanks. Pick up the correct word to be used to make the sentence coherent and grammatically correct.

The Global maize production across the world is worth billions of dollars annually and is a major contributing factor to global food security because it’s a 1) ______________ food for billions of people. Majority of the maize production depends on natural rainfall, making it 2) ______________ to variable rainfall patterns.

This limitation is likely to get intense in the future as it is anticipated that the climate change is going to lower rainfall in many regions of the world. This could decrease 3) ______________ by 10% by the time global temperature has risen by 4º C.  Another challenge of droughts are also likely to become more 4) ______________ and severe. The increase in temperatures are also predicted for many parts of the world which will  have direct effects on the productivity and growth of maize. High temprature will also lead to more 5) ______________, which means that plants lose more water.

Choose the correct word to be used in blank 2.

Option 1: vulnerable
 

Option 2: nefarious
 

Option 3: condemn
 

Option 4: tacit

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.

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T
Team Careers360
27 Jan'24

Question : Which one of the following statements about pyrolysis, which is a process for solid waste treatment, is incorrect?

Option 1: It converts the waste into solids, liquids and gases, of which the resultant liquids and gases can be used to produce energy.

Option 2: The process occurs at a temperature above 430oC at atmospheric pressure.

Option 3: The process occurs under high pressure at a temperature above 430oC.

Option 4: It is a thermochemical decomposition of organic waste.

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.

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T
Team Careers360
26 Jan'24

Question : Which law was studied in the year 1787, in which it was said that the volume of a gas increases with its absolute temperature and if its absolute temperature decreases, its volume will decrease?

Option 1: Boyle’s law

Option 2: Dalton’s law

Option 3: Avogadro’s law

Option 4: Charles's law

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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Team Careers360
27 Jan'24
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