I keep getting “Heat versus temperature” questions wrong in Thermal Properties of Matter. What's the trap?
using heat and temperature as if they were the same physical quantity.
The usual trap: using heat and temperature as if they were the same physical quantity. How to avoid it: temperature decides direction; heat is energy in transit. Go back to the definition — Temperature tells how hot a body is and sets the direction of heat flow; heat is energy transferred because of a temperature difference. A bucket of warm water can contain more thermal energy than a cup of hotter water.
Key point
Heat versus temperature
Common mistake
using heat and temperature as if they were the same physical quantity.
Memory tip
temperature decides direction; heat is energy in transit.
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