Temperature Examples in Physics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Temperature.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Physics.

Concept Recap

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, determining how hot or cold it is.

How 'hot' or 'cold' something is—how fast its molecules are moving on average.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Temperature is about average energy per particle, not total energy.

Common stuck point: A large cold object can have more thermal energy than a small hot object.

Sense of Study hint: When solving a temperature problem, first check the temperature scale being used and convert if necessary: K = °C + 273.15 and °C = (°F - 32) \times 5/9. Then remember that temperature differences are the same in kelvin and Celsius. Finally, use Q = mc\Delta T to relate heat and temperature change.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
Convert 37°\text{C} (human body temperature) to Fahrenheit and Kelvin.

Solution

  1. 1
    Celsius to Fahrenheit: T_F = \frac{9}{5}T_C + 32 = \frac{9}{5}(37) + 32 = 66.6 + 32 = 98.6°\text{F}.
  2. 2
    Celsius to Kelvin: T_K = T_C + 273.15 = 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 \text{ K}.
  3. 3
    Human body temperature is 98.6°\text{F} or 310.15 \text{ K}.

Answer

37°\text{C} = 98.6°\text{F} = 310.15 \text{ K}
Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, where particles have minimum possible energy. Conversion between scales is straightforward.

Example 2

medium
At what temperature do the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales read the same value?

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

medium
Liquid nitrogen boils at 77 \text{ K}. What is this temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Example 2

hard
Two objects are at 200 \text{ K} and 400 \text{ K}. One student says the hotter object is 'twice as hot.' Is this correct? Explain using the concept of absolute temperature and average kinetic energy.
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