We know that temperature is one of the physical quantities that measure the degree of hotness or coldness. Usually, we have seen that the body temperature is measured using a clinical thermometer. Temperature is the mathematical representation of heat. Even the weather conditions are dependent on the degree of temperature. Let us study the definition of temperature, the impact of temperature, along with rising temperature and its effects in detail.
| Table of Contents: |
What is Temperature?
Many people often get confused between temperature and heat. Suppose mistakenly you touch a hot object. How would you explain to someone how hot it was? What is the measure for the hotness? Yes, it is the temperature impact. The heat comes under the class of forms of energy whose unit is Joules. Temperature is the measure of heat i.e. the more heat you give, the temperature will increase.
Temperature is defined as the measurable extent of hot or cold. It is a mathematical representation of heat. But it is not merely a quantitative measure; temperature impact also represents the flow of energy as well as molecular motion (motion of atoms and molecules within a substance). A thermometer (thermos: hot; metron: measure)is the universal instrument used to measure temperature. Different units of temperature are Celsius (˚C), Kelvin (K), and Fahrenheit (˚F). It is a factor which has varying impacts on different processes and physical properties. One of the examples of the influential impact of temperature is the increase or decrease of a substance’s solubility as the temperature changes. The interdependence of temperature and Kinetic Energy of molecules is the best reason for the same.
Kinetic Energy
We know that atoms are the building blocks of any matter. The kinetic energy of a substance is due to the constant motion of these atoms. As the rate increases, the kinetic energy also increases. The heat applied elevates the temperature of an object which in turn increases kinetic energy. This explains why a stain spread more quickly in hot water than in cold water. Since the kinetic energy of different particles varies within an object it cannot be estimated based on the number of particles present. Therefore, the temperature impact is the average of kinetic energy.
Principles of Thermodynamics:
As per the principles of Thermodynamics, the flow of heat generally occurs from a high-temperature region to a low-temperature region. Thus, coldness is a myth which is just an absence of heat. The kinetic energy due to the higher temperature will contribute to a small expansion of volume. This is called thermal expansion which is the basic working principle of thermometers.
See the video below, to understand in detail about the thermodynamic devices.
Rising Temperature and its Effects
Earth is the only planet in the solar system where life form is known to exist. This is due to various factors including the Earth’s position relative to the sun. Earth is capable of maintaining a stable average temperature on its surface that allows for the existence of warm, flowing water on its surface, and conditions favourable to life. Lately, the earth is getting warmer. The thermometer reading all over the world has steadily risen since the industrial revolution. Global warming is significantly affecting our communities, health, and climate. We are affected by the rise in temperature as follows:
- The rise in sea level and increased risk of coastal flooding
- Longer wildfire season
- Frequent heat waves
- Extreme weather
These impacts will continue to intensify and grow over time unless we take immediate action to reduce global warming.
Hope you have learned about the impact of temperature and rising temperature and its effects. For more details download BYJU’S – The Learning app from the google play store.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the SI unit of temperature?
What are the different units of temperature?
Which is the universal instrument used to measure temperature?
State true or false: Temperature is the mathematical representation of heat.
List some effects of rising temperature.
- The rise in sea level and increased risk of coastal flooding
- Longer wildfire season
- Frequent heat waves
- Extreme weather
Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!
Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button
Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz
Visit BYJU’S for all Physics related queries and study materials
Your result is as below
