kinetic temperatureThe temperature of a gas defined in terms of the average kinetic energy of its atoms or molecules. It is given by: where T is the kinetic temperature, k is Boltzmann's constant, m is the particle mass, and v is the particle velocity. In thermal equilibrium, values of kinetic temperature correspond well with those of other measures of temperature, such as effective temperature; otherwise, they may bear little resemblance. Related categories• HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS ASTRONOMICAL QUANTITIES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History |