Question

What does temperature measure? Would it be the average kinetic energy of the particles the heat of the particles, the total energy of the particles or the empty space between the particles

Answer 1

Temperature measures the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. In a material, the particles (atoms or molecules) are always in motion, and the temperature provides a quantitative indication of the speed at which those particles are moving. As the temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles also increases, leading to higher motion and, consequently, a higher temperature reading.

It's important to note that while temperature is related to the energy of the particles, it specifically refers to their average kinetic energy, rather than the total energy of the system or the heat content. The empty space between particles is not directly related to temperature measurement.