Today, we continued the study from last week and investigated the difference between temperature and heat in a more specific way.
Temperature is the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Heat is the same thing as thermal energy, which is the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Heat = average kinetic energy (temperature) x # of molecules in the system. Temperature can be measured in Celsius and Kelvin (K). 0 degree Celsius = 273.15 K.
It is interesting to know how the way we do not feel the temperature of a substance, but its effect on the particles in our skin. For instance, at the same temperature, a metal feels cooler than a book. This is because metal is a conductor, which absorbs energy form our hand much faster than a book. This explained why an ice cube in a metal container melts faster then an ice cube in a plastic container.
We all know that heat can transfer from one system to another system, and the two systems tend to end up with the same temperature. However, what are some factors that affect efficiency of thermal energy transference? Why does water have lower boiling point under lower pressure? Why do things have different thermal equilibrium when they physically contact with other matters?