Temperature

Definition

A measure of the average kinetic energy of all the particles in a substance combined, with some moving faster and others slower.

Temperature reflects molecular motion, so adding heat raises it by speeding molecules and removing heat lowers it. Sensible heat changes temperature because it changes molecular speed, while latent heat does not change temperature because it goes into breaking bonds. A thermometer senses the average kinetic energy, which is why sensible heat is measurable and latent heat is hidden.

Related concepts

Molecular Motion · Sensible Heat · Latent Heat

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 📏 measurement