Heat & Temperature
Science: KS3, topic 3.1.7
Heat and Temperature
The difference between heat and temperature is key.
Heat
- Heat is the amount of thermal energy stored in an object.
- Heat or thermal energy is measured in Joules (J).
- Thermal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy a substance has.
Particles and Energy
- Even cold objects have thermal energy.
- The more particles an object has, the more thermal energy it will have.
- The greater the mass, the more particles so the greater total of thermal energy.
Temperature
- Temperature is one way to measure the thermal energy of a substance (heat).
- Temperature is a measurement of how fast particles are moving.
- Particles that move fast have kinetic energy stored.
Measuring Temperature
- Temperature is commonly measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
- A thermometer or data logger will measure the temperature of an object.
- Cold particles will move slower than warmer ones.
Test yourself on Heat & Temperature
What units are used to measure the amount of thermal energy stored in an object?
A small metal block and a large metal block are at the same temperature. Which block stores more thermal energy?