What does temperature measure?

Temperature measures the intensity of the heat energy in an object or space. It is a quantitative representation of how hot or cold something is, providing a scale that indicates the average kinetic energy of the particles in that object or environment. The higher the temperature, the greater the kinetic energy of the particles, reflecting a higher intensity of thermal energy.

Temperature is distinct from heat, which refers to the transfer of thermal energy. While heat depends on mass and the specific heat capacity of a material, temperature serves as an indicator of that energy level within the substance itself. Understanding temperature in this context is critical for applications in refrigeration and HVAC, as it helps in controlling and managing thermal processes effectively.