What is the difference between heat and temperature?

The distinction between heat and temperature is fundamental in thermodynamics and physical chemistry. Heat refers to the total energy transferred between substances or systems due to a temperature difference, encompassing all kinetic and potential energies associated with molecular motion. It is measured in joules or calories and is dependent on the amount of substance and its physical state.

On the other hand, temperature represents the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It reflects how fast the particles are moving, which directly correlates to the thermal energy of the substance, but does not account for the total energy involved.

In summary, the correct understanding is that heat is the total energy, while temperature quantifies the average energy per particle, making option B the appropriate choice as it accurately describes the relationship between these two concepts.