Temperature

Temperature is a physical property that expresses how hot or cold something is. It is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles within a substance. Commonly measured using thermometers, temperature is typically reported in degrees Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), or Kelvin (K). Changes in temperature can affect a substance's state, volume, and rate of chemical reactions. Accurate temperature readings are critical in various fields, from medicine and engineering to environmental science and cooking.

Temperature meaning with examples

• The doctor took the patient's temperature to check for a fever. The thermometer read 102°F, indicating a high temperature. The patient's elevated temperature warranted further medical investigation and treatment. Maintaining a normal body temperature is essential for good health.
• The temperature in the laboratory needed to be precisely controlled. Scientists adjusted the air conditioning to maintain a constant temperature for sensitive experiments. Variations in the temperature would have affected the experiment's outcome. A stable temperature is critical for data accuracy.
• The temperature in the oven determines how quickly food cooks. Setting the oven to 375°F creates a high temperature suitable for baking cookies. The higher the temperature, the faster the cooking process. Monitoring the temperature is essential for avoiding under- or over-cooking.
• The environmental scientist measured the water temperature of the lake. They found a high temperature due to rising global temperatures. The water temperature affected the ecosystem's health. This measurement helped assess the impacts of climate change.