Is it feasible to add temperatures?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of adding temperatures from two different bodies and whether this can result in a higher temperature. It explores concepts related to temperature, heat, and thermodynamic principles, including Newton's law of cooling.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that temperatures cannot be added to create a higher temperature, as the hotter object would cool down while the cooler object would heat up.
  • Others argue that temperature is a measure of heat in a body and that while one cannot "create temperature," one can add heat to an object.
  • A participant mentions Newton's law of cooling, stating that heat will flow from the hotter body to the cooler body until they reach the same temperature.
  • There is a clarification that temperature and heat are not the same, with an example illustrating that a white hot spark can contain less heat than a cup of hot water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of adding temperatures, with no consensus reached on whether it is feasible or meaningful to do so.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved distinctions between temperature and heat, as well as assumptions about what is meant by "creating temperature." The discussion also highlights the complexity of thermodynamic concepts.

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Can we add temperatures of two different bodies and create more temperature?
 
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KOUSIK said:
Can we add temperatures of two different bodies and create more temperature?
No, temperature does not add, The hotter object would get cooler and the cooler object would get hotter.
 
Strictly speaking one cannot "create temperature" anyway. Temperature is a measure of the heat in a body. You can "create heat" or add heat to any object. However, "Newton's law of cooling" says that if two objects, of different temperatures are placed together, heat will flow from the hatter to the cooler body until they have the same temperature.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Strictly speaking one cannot "create temperature" anyway. Temperature is a measure of the heat in a body. You can "create heat" or add heat to any object. However, "Newton's law of cooling" says that if two objects, of different temperatures are placed together, heat will flow from the hatter to the cooler body until they have the same temperature.

If by the 'heat in a body' you are referring to energy (it sounds like it since you refer to adding heat) then temperature is not a measure of 'heat'
A white hot spark contains less 'heat' than a cup of hot water. Temperature and energy are different things.
 

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