Temperature
The measurement of temperature is a frequent requirement in many test engineering applications. This post will discuss the concept of temperature and the various techniques used to measure it.
Scientifically, temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in matter. Colloquially, it refers to how hot or cold something feels.
Temperature is often associated with heat, but it is important to note that they are distinct concepts. Heat is a form of energy that flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature, similar to how current flows from a high to a voltage in an electrical circuit. Temperature serves as a measure of the “degree” of hotness or coldness, similar to how voltage serves as a measure of electric potential.
Scales
Temperature is most often measured in degrees Fahrenheit, Celsius, or Kelvin.
Fahrenheit and Celsius are relative scales — they are relative to the freezing and boiling point of water. On the Fahrenheit scale 32 is the freezing point of water, and 212 °F is the boiling point. On the Celsius scale this is 0 °C and 100 °C respectively. These numbers are arbitrary. These scales are intuitive since ice and steam are easily distinguishable everyday states of matter and the temperature difference between these states is readily apparent and intuitive.
