Which of the following best describes what temperature measures about a substance?

• A. The total mass of the substance
• B. The total potential energy stored in chemical bonds
• C. The average kinetic energy of the particles in the substance
• D. The amount of heat required to change the state of the substance

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that temperature is a physical quantity that relates to the motion of particles in a substance.
2. Recall that particles in any substance (atoms or molecules) are constantly moving, and this motion can be described in terms of kinetic energy.
3. Recognize that temperature specifically measures the average kinetic energy of these particles, not the total energy or mass.
4. Differentiate temperature from other concepts such as total mass, potential energy in chemical bonds, or heat required for phase changes, which are distinct properties.
5. Conclude that the best description of temperature is that it measures the average kinetic energy of the particles in the substance.