The 7 differences between heat and temperature

Although heat and temperature are related, they are not the same. When a substance, the temperature of that substance increases and therefore more heat generally means a higher temperature. In fact, many people know that the temperature rises when a body is warmer, for example, when we have a fever. However, both terminologies present some differences that have to do with our perception.

In this article you will find the differences between heat and temperature.

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Heat and temperature are related

In our day to day we often use these terms. "It is really hot today!" or "It's 30ºC outside" are some examples. Without a doubt, heat and temperature are related. When we refer to temperature we are referring to how fast the atoms move. As for heat, on the other hand, it is a measure that refers to how many atoms there are in a substance multiplied by the amount of energy that each atom has.

Temperature is the mean motion, and

does not depend on the number of particles in an object or their size. For example, the temperature of a glass of boiling water is the same as the temperature of a pot of boiling water, even though the latter is much larger.

Thermal energy

Heat is the amount of energy a body has, while temperature is a quantity of heat or thermal energy measurable by a thermometer. We do not see heat, but we feel it, and many times we use a thermometer to find out if it is more or less hot in the environment, since heat changes the temperature.

Both are terms widely used and studied in physics, and with the heat the bodies expand or change their physical state. Heat flows from a warmer object to a cooler object. For example, imagine a hot cup of coffee to which you add cold milk. The heat will be distributed between both substances, and the coffee will not be as hot as if it were a single coffee but the milk will not be cold as if it were milk alone. As for temperature, it rises when a substance is heated and falls when it cools.

• If you want to know more about thermal energy, you can read the article “The 15 types of energy: what are they?”.

Differences between heat and temperature

In the following lines you can find summarized the differences between heat and temperature.

1. Meaning

There is a fine line that differentiates heat from temperature. .While heat is the total energy of the motion of the particles found in a substance, temperature is a quantity of heat that refers to an average.

2. Symbol

The symbols used in physics vary between the two phenomena. Heat is represented by the symbol "Q", and as has been said, it is energy, both kinetic and potential, possessed by the molecules in a piece of matter. Regarding the temperature, is represented by the symbol "T", and it is not energy but a measure of it.

3. Particle properties

Regarding the properties of the particles, the heat depends on the speed. the number, size and type of these. On the other hand, the temperature does not depend on these qualities.

4. Its effect

Heat is a physical phenomenon that increases temperature. Expands, melts, volatilizes, or breaks down a body. Temperature is the degree of heat in bodies.

5. Transmission

Heat is transmitted from one substance to another and causes an effect on the difference in temperature. As I have already explained above in the example of coffee with milk. In addition, this type of energy can propagate by conduction, convection and radiation.

6. Measuring device

Heat and temperature are measured with different measuring devices. To measure heat, a device called a calorimeter is used. However, the temperature is measured with the thermometer.

7. Measurement units

But not only are the measuring devices different, so are the units of measure. The heat is measured in Joules, Calories and Kilocalories. In contrast, temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), Celsius (C), or Fahrenheit (F).

The Joule is the somewhat special international system unit of energy, which can measure heat, work or energy. Therefore, it is a unit of energy the same as Calories: 1 calorie equals 4,184 joules