What is the difference between temperature and internal energy?

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, while internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a system.

Practical lens: Link apparatus, readings, and uncertainty to the exact measurement named in the objective. This question asks: What is the difference between temperature and internal energy. The correct response is Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, while internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in a system., because internal energy combines particle kinetic and potential energy. In Internal energy, the marking point should connect directly to distinguish temperature from internal energy. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 242 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the practical lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.