Temperature from the Microscopic and Submicroscopic Perspectives
From the microscopic and submicroscopic perspectives, temperature is defined as the average translational kinetic energy of the particles of a substance. In other words, temperature is basically a measure of how fast molecules or atoms are translating, or moving around. Note: The temperature of a substance is related to the translational motion of particles within the substance but NOT the rotational or vibrational motion of the particles.
We say that temperature is a "per particle" property. In other words, you can measure the temperature of an individual atom or molecule. In addition, for constant conditions, the temperature of a substance is independent of the number of molecules or atoms in the substance. A substance can have a very high temperature even if it is made of very few molecules.
We say that temperature is a "per particle" property. In other words, you can measure the temperature of an individual atom or molecule. In addition, for constant conditions, the temperature of a substance is independent of the number of molecules or atoms in the substance. A substance can have a very high temperature even if it is made of very few molecules.