What is the Difference Between Heat and Temperature?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between heat and temperature is that heat refers to the amount of energy in an object, measuring the total kinetic and potential energy contained by the molecules in that object, while temperature refers to the intensity of heat, measuring the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance. In other words, heat is a form of energy, and temperature is a measure of that energy.
Some key differences between heat and temperature include:
- Heat is a form of energy and is a measure of change, never a property possessed by an object or system. It is measured in units like Joules, Calories, and BTUs.
- Temperature is a measurable physical property of an object, also known as a state variable. It is measured in Kelvin (K), Fahrenheit (°F), or Celsius (°C).
- Heat describes the transfer of thermal energy between molecules within a system, while temperature is more concerned with molecular kinetic energy.
- Heat is a measure of the total energy of the motion of the molecules of a substance, whereas temperature refers to the measure of the average energy of the motions of the molecules in a substance.
In summary, heat is the total energy of the motion of the molecules of a substance, while temperature is a measure of the average energy of the motions of the molecules in a substance. Heat is a form of energy and is measured in units like Joules, Calories, and BTUs, while temperature is a measurable physical property of an object, also known as a state variable, and is measured in Kelvin (K), Fahrenheit (°F), or Celsius (°C).
Comparative Table: Heat vs Temperature
Here is a table highlighting the differences between heat and temperature:
| Feature | Heat | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Heat refers to the transfer of thermal energy between molecules within a system. It measures the total kinetic and potential energy contained by the molecules in an object. | Temperature refers to the intensity of heat, measuring the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance. |
| Unit of Measurement | Heat is measured in Joules. | Temperature is measured in units such as Fahrenheit, Celsius, or Kelvin. |
| Relationship | Heat is a form of energy, whereas temperature is a measure of that energy. | |
| Measuring Device | Thermometers, such as the Kelvin, Celsius, and Fahrenheit scales, are used to measure temperature. These scales are not interchangeable and require conversions when switching between units. |
In summary, heat refers to the total energy of particles within a system, while temperature measures the average kinetic energy of those particles. Heat is a form of energy, and temperature is a measure of that energy.
- Thermal Energy vs Temperature
- Thermal vs Heat
- Enthalpy vs Heat
- Kinetic Energy vs Temperature
- Work vs Heat
- Temperature vs Humidity
- Heat Capacity vs Specific Heat
- Light Energy vs Heat Energy
- Heat Transfer vs Thermodynamics
- Thermometer vs Thermostat
- Celsius vs Fahrenheit
- Latent Heat vs Specific Heat
- Celsius vs Centigrade
- Specific Heat Capacity vs Heat Capacity
- Kelvin vs Celsius
- Heat of Solution vs Heat of Reaction
- Kelvin vs Fahrenheit
- Heat Flow vs Heat Flux
- Energy vs Enthalpy