Heat vs. Temperature: The Core Distinction
Heat is the total kinetic energy of all the atoms or molecules within a substance, while temperature is the measure of the *average* kinetic energy of those particles. In simple terms, heat is a form of energy, whereas temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something feels.
An Example: A Bathtub and a Kettle
Imagine a large bathtub filled with warm water and a small, boiling kettle. The water in the kettle has a much higher temperature because its molecules are moving faster on average. However, the bathtub contains more total heat because it has a vastly greater number of water molecules, meaning its total kinetic energy is higher.