It is difficult to understand and differentiate between these terms as many people use these terms interchangeably when talking about thermal properties. Nevertheless, temperature is defined as the measure of the thermal energy available in a particular system, whereas heat is the transfer of the thermal energy between two bodies. It is important to know about these properties in different industries, physics, and in our daily lives.
What is Heat?
Heat is considered as the energy flow which takes place from one body to another due to temperature difference. It represents the thermal energy which goes from the object that is heated to the object with lower temperature. Heat can be transmitted by means of radiation, convection, and conduction. We feel heat since the thermal energy is absorbed by our body from surroundings. As an example, it is felt while sitting beside a burning fireplace in winter.
What is Temperature?
In contrast, temperature is known as the measure of the kinetic energy of molecules inside the substance. Temperature is a basic property of matter, which represents thermal energy of particular system. Temperature is commonly measured using various scales such as Kelvin, Celsius, and Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures are characterized by the higher energy of particles and vice versa. This physical property does not have any direction and, therefore, it is called scalar quantity. For instance, it is possible to say that the temperature of a cup of coffee is 90°C, that means average energy of the particles in coffee equals 90°C.
Difference Between Heat and Temperature
Let us try to figure out the differences between these two concepts by providing a simple example. Assume that there is a cup of coffee at a temperature of 90°C. While leaving this coffee on the table, its temperature is going to change only slightly. However, the heat is going to dissipate from the coffee to air and table. Thus, it is the example of heat transmission, where thermal energy was transferred from a particular object to the environment, although temperature remained unchanged.
Heat Transmission
Transmission of thermal energy is crucial in engineering and physics. It occurs in three forms, namely radiation, conduction, and convection. Radiation is the thermal emission which is transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Conduction denotes heat transfer by means of interaction of objects. Finally, convection denotes heat transfer caused by fluid motion. It is important to know about these kinds of transmission since it is necessary for designing heating and cooling systems as well as predicting behavior of complex systems.
Applications of Heat and Temperature
These two properties have a wide range of uses in different spheres. In engineering, knowledge about heat transmission helps to design heating and cooling systems, which are needed in construction, manufacturing processes, etc. Moreover, the correct measurement of temperature plays a significant role in medicine. Namely, it is necessary for detecting patient’s disease, especially hypothermia and fever.
Measurement of Heat and Temperature
Measurement of these properties is required for different purposes and is conducted by using some instruments. The most popular devices which can conduct such measurement are thermocouples, thermistors, and thermometers. All of these devices are capable of conversion of thermal energy into electrical voltage which allows to observe changes in temperature. In addition, infrared camera and thermal image can help to detect temperature differences visually.
Conclusion
Thus, it becomes evident that the knowledge of these properties plays a significant role in different industries and even in daily life. The difference between heat and temperature should be known and understood in order to navigate in the world surrounding us.
