What is the relationship between temperature and heat?

Temperature is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics, representing the average kinetic energy of the particles within a substance. When we say that temperature is a measure of the intensity of heat in an object, we are acknowledging that a higher temperature indicates a higher average energy of molecules, which translates to more vigorous molecular motion.

This relationship illustrates that while heat and temperature are closely linked, they are not synonymous. Heat refers to the transfer of thermal energy from one object to another due to a temperature difference, while temperature quantifies how hot or cold an object is. Thus, when the heat is added to a substance, its temperature typically rises, reflecting an increase in the kinetic energy of its molecules.

In contrast, the other choices lack accuracy in defining the specific roles that temperature and heat play in thermodynamic processes. It’s crucial to distinguish between them to understand thermal dynamics properly, which is essential in fields such as refrigeration where ammonia is commonly used.