Measuring Temperature of Particles in Motion

In summary, Temperature is not the same as kinetic energy and is a concept that arises in a statistical averaged description of a system. In a system with many particles, the particles interact and exchange energy and momentum, causing their kinetic energy to constantly change. This leads to concepts like pressure and temperature. However, for a system consisting of only one particle, it is not possible to assign a temperature as the energy distribution does not fluctuate. Additionally, even at absolute zero, particles still exhibit vibrations due to quantum mechanics. Temperature is a complex issue in physics and has connections to information theory.
  • #1
Edi
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Temperature is basically the movement/ vibrations of particles. They vibrate only because they are in interaction with other particles/ fields - otherwise they would just fly in a straight line.
As they have kinetic energy. Temperature = internal kinetic energy.

How can one measure particles temperature, if it is just lone flying in a straight line? It does not have internal kinetic energy. (unless it's non-fundamental)
It has RELATIVE velocity, by witch one could measure its temperature, but only relative.
Relative - there is a frame, where the particle doesn't move at all. Meaning its temperature is 0K ? (witch is thought not to be possible)
 
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  • #2
Temperature is not the same as kinetic energy. Temperature is a concept which arises in a statistical averaged description of a system. In a system with lot's of particles, the particles interact and exchange energy and momentum. Any given particles keeps on moving from one (quantum) state to another. The system may have a fixed energy: the distribution of this energy among the particle is constantly changing. By statistical averaging over "state occupied by a particle" x "relative time it occupies this state" you can still say meaningful things about the properties of the system as a whole -- concepts like pressure, temperature, and so on arise from this statistical description.

Saying that "Temperature = internal kinetic energy" is therefore not true, I'm afraid. The reason where this intuitive, but false statement comes from, is that for a gas of particles at some temperate T, the average kinetic energy of a particle is propertional to the temperature T, [itex]E\propto T[/itex]. So for a gas the statement "Temperature = internal kinetic energy" makes more sense, but this brakes down in a lot of other systems.

In particularly, the system you are describing is not a system in thermal equilibrium. It actually doesn't have a temperature. The reason is that you cannot assign a temperature to a system consisting out of one particle. The particle has a particular energy, and this energy "distribution" does not fluctuate, since it is all assigned to one particle.
 
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  • #3
"They vibrate only because they are in interaction with other particles/ fields"

false,,in fact most of your post is factually incorrect...why not read Wikipedia or another source and then ask some questions with a foundation...even a particle at absolute zero in free space has zero point motion (vibrations that never disappear)...

A single isolated particle, if confined to an ever small volume exhibits increasing frequency(more oscillations) due to its confinement...according to quantum mechanics and Heisnenerg uncertainty...

However, also recognize that "temperature" is a complex issue in physics (like too many issues) and so has layer upon layer of complexity. If you are really interested in temperature, also look at information based temperature...the theory of information has many connections with thermodynamics...maybe even information IS thermodynamics...
 

FAQ: Measuring Temperature of Particles in Motion

1. How is temperature measured for particles in motion?

The temperature of particles in motion is typically measured using a thermometer or a temperature sensor. The thermometer measures the average kinetic energy of the particles, while the temperature sensor detects the heat emitted by the particles.

2. What unit is used to measure the temperature of particles in motion?

The unit used to measure temperature is typically degrees Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K). These units are commonly used in scientific measurements and are based on the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales.

3. Can temperature be measured for individual particles in motion?

No, temperature cannot be measured for individual particles in motion. Temperature is a macroscopic property that describes the average kinetic energy of a large number of particles. It cannot be accurately measured for individual particles.

4. How does temperature affect the motion of particles?

As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the particles also increases. This causes the particles to move faster and collide with each other more frequently. At higher temperatures, the particles have more energy and can overcome attractive forces between them, leading to a change in the state of matter (e.g. from solid to liquid).

5. Are there any limitations to measuring the temperature of particles in motion?

Yes, there are some limitations to measuring the temperature of particles in motion. Some factors that may affect the accuracy of the measurement include the size and shape of the particles, the type of thermometer or sensor used, and the conditions under which the measurement is taken. Additionally, temperature is just one aspect of the complex behavior of particles in motion and cannot fully describe their motion and interactions.

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