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Ch.10 - Gases: Their Properties & Behavior
Chapter 10, Problem 93

What is the difference between heat and temperature?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Heat

Heat is a form of energy that is transferred between systems or objects with different temperatures, moving from the hotter object to the cooler one. It is measured in joules or calories and is associated with the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Heat can cause a change in temperature or state of a substance.
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Temperature

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, reflecting how hot or cold it is. It is measured in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin. Unlike heat, temperature does not depend on the amount of substance present; it is an intensive property that indicates the thermal state of a system.
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Thermal Equilibrium

Thermal equilibrium occurs when two objects at different temperatures come into contact and exchange heat until they reach the same temperature. At this point, there is no net heat transfer between the objects. Understanding thermal equilibrium is essential for distinguishing between heat and temperature, as it illustrates how heat flows and affects temperature changes.
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