What does temperature measure?

Temperature is a measure of the intensity of heat present in a substance or environment. It quantifies how hot or cold something is and reflects the average kinetic energy of the particles within a substance. This understanding of temperature as a measure of thermal energy is crucial in various fields, including building maintenance, where temperature measurement can influence HVAC systems, comfort levels, and overall energy efficiency.

Other choices relate to different physical properties. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air, volume pertains to the space that a substance occupies, and density of air measures its mass per unit volume. While these are essential measurements in various scientific contexts, they are distinct from what temperature directly represents. Therefore, the focus on temperature as an indicator of heat intensity is the most accurate response.