Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Room Temperature is around 20°C.
About Room Temperature
- Room Temperature is used to describe when a substance has a particular state of matter.
- When stating that Iron is a solid we assume the person stating it means at room temperature because that's the temperature humans are comfortable in. In reality Iron can be a solid, liquid or gas depending on the temperature.
- The state of elements on the Periodic Table are given at room temperature.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Standard Temperature and Pressure is around 20°C and 101,000Pa.
About Standard Temperature and Pressure
- Standard temperature or room temperature is around 20°C because that is the temperature humans are most comfortable in.
- Standard pressure is around 101,000Pa of atmospheric pressure because that is the pressure on our bodies when we are at sea level.
- Standard temperature and pressure is used to describe whether a substance is a solid, liquid or a gas under normal conditions.
- Substances can change their state of matter depending on the temperature and pressure around them. So when stating something as a solid, liquid or gas it's important to note the temperature and pressure at which this is true.