What is Temperature?
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Learning text on the topic What is Temperature?
Temperature – Introduction
Welcome to our exciting journey into understanding temperature! Temperature is something we experience every day, whether it's feeling the warmth of the sun or noticing how chilly it gets in the evening. Maybe you have been on holiday to a hot country where the temperature was high or to a cold country where the temperature was low. But what exactly is temperature, and how do we measure it? In this text, we'll explore temperature in degrees Celsius (°C), and learn how higher readings mean warmer conditions, while lower ones indicate colder temperatures. We'll also understand how to read a thermometer accurately.
Understanding Temperature – Definition
Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is. It is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
Remember, a higher temperature reading means that it's warmer, and a lower reading indicates that it's colder. Understanding how to read a thermometer is an important skill so we know what the temperature is.
Temperature – Example
Let's imagine it's a sunny day, and you want to find out the temperature. You take a thermometer and see that the line is at the number 25. This means it's 25 degrees Celsius outside, which is quite warm! It is likely to be summer.
Temperature – Guided Practice
Temperature – Application
The difference is 9°C. Madrid is 9°C warmer than London.Temperature – Problem Solving
| York | Berlin | Barcelona | Cape Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3°C | 0°C | 29°C |
Temperature – Summary
Key Learnings from this Text:
- Temperature measures how hot or cold something is.
- It is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
- A higher reading on a thermometer means warmer conditions.
- A lower reading indicates colder conditions.
- Reading a thermometer correctly is important for measuring temperature correctly.
If you're keen to learn more about temperature or other related topics, our website has an array of interactive practice problems, engaging videos and printable worksheets to further your understanding. You can check out resources on measures including Measuring in Centimetres and Volume and Capacity. Keep exploring and deepening your knowledge with us!
Temperature – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Temperature? exercise
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What do we measure temperature in?
HintsThis ruler measures length in centimetres.
This jug measures volume in millilitres.
SolutionWe measure temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).
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Can you put the temperatures in order?
Hints1°C is cold, it might be this temperature in January.
15°C is a little warm. It might be this temperature in May.
The lower the number, the colder the temperature.
Remember, negative numbers (starting with a - symbol) are lower than positive numbers.
Therefore, negative temperatures are colder than positive temperatures.
SolutionFrom coldest to hottest, the correct order is:
- -2°C
- 1°C
- 9°C
- 15°C
- 21°C
- 32°C
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What is the temperature?
HintsLook carefully at the scale, you might not be able to see the exact number but which number is the line representing?
This thermometer is showing 11°C, it is just above 10°C.
Remember, the higher the number, the warmer the temperature and the further up the thermometer you will find it.
SolutionThe four temperatures shown above are:
- 5°C
- 9°C
- 23°C
- 18°C
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Can you complete the table?
HintsTo find the temperature in Belfast, subtract 4 from 11.
Look for the smallest number to find the temperature in Oslo.
Look for the largest number to find the temperature in Larnaca.
SolutionBirmingham : 11°C
Amsterdam : 11°C
Belfast : 7°C
Oslo : 1°C
Larnaca : 21°C
- Amsterdam is the same temperature as Birmingham which is 11°C so Amsterdam is also 11°C.
- Belfast is 4°C colder than Amsterdam. Amsterdam is 11°C so minus 4 from 11 to get 7°C.
- Oslo has the lowest temperature. The lowest temperature we can see is 1°C.
- Larnaca has the warmest temperature. The warmest temperature we can see is 21°C.
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Can you find the temperature?
HintsIn autumn the temperature isn't freezing cold but it isn't boiling hot, 12°C is in between.
Look for the number 12 on the thermometer and the line next to it.
Click on/highlight the number or the dash next to it.
SolutionHere is 12°C.
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Can you complete the problems?
HintsLower numbers mean colder temperatures.
Higher numbers mean warmer temperatures.
For the second question, find the difference between 6 and 12.
12 - 6 = ?
For the third question, subtract 9 from 18.
18 - 9 = ?
Here is a larger picture of the thermometer from question 4. Where is the red line?
Solution1.) Tom is packing for his holiday. The temperature will be 3°C. He should pack his hat, scarf and gloves.
2.) This morning it is 6°C. By this afternoon, the temperature will have risen to 12°C. This means it will rise by 6°C. 12 - 6 = 6.
3.) Mira and Layla want to have a picnic but only if the temperature is at least 18°C which means it needs to warm up by 9°C. At the moment it is 9°C. 18 - 9 = 9.
4.)The thermometer is showing 20°C. This is quite warm so you are more likely to wear a t-shirt.
