Which of the following best describes the difference between heat and temperature?

• A. Heat is the transfer of energy due to a temperature difference, while temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles.
• B. Heat and temperature are both measures of the total energy in a system.
• C. Heat is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles, while temperature is the total energy transferred between objects.
• D. Heat is the amount of energy stored in chemical bonds, while temperature is the energy released during a reaction.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of heat and temperature separately. Heat is energy in transit due to a temperature difference between systems, while temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.
2. Step 2: Recognize that heat is not a property contained within an object but rather energy transferred between objects or systems because of their temperature difference.
3. Step 3: Understand that temperature quantifies how hot or cold an object is, reflecting the average motion (kinetic energy) of its particles, not the total energy.
4. Step 4: Compare the options given by identifying which statement correctly distinguishes heat as energy transfer and temperature as a measure of particle kinetic energy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: 'Heat is the transfer of energy due to a temperature difference, while temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles.'