RoomTemperature

Room temperature refers to the range of ambient indoor temperatures that are comfortable for people and commonly used as a practical reference in science, engineering, and daily life. It is not a precise value; definitions vary by field and organization. A widely used range is about 20–25°C (68–77°F). In many chemistry and physics contexts, 20°C is treated as a default baseline, while standard thermodynamic data are often tabulated at 25°C (298 K). In terms of human comfort, indoor settings are often maintained around 20–24°C (68–75°F).

Factors determining room temperature include climate, season, building insulation, heating and cooling systems, window exposure, and occupancy. Humidity and air flow can also influence perceived temperature.

Impact and applications: Room temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions, solubility, and the physical properties of materials. It influences the stability of reagents, enzymes, and pharmaceuticals; some items are stored specifically at room temperature, others require refrigeration or freezing. In electronics, ambient temperature can affect performance and aging. In food science, “room temperature” storage implies conditions that are not refrigerated, though safe ranges vary by product.

Terminology: The term is often contrasted with refrigerated or frozen conditions and with standard conditions used in protocols and experimental procedures. While it serves as a convenient reference, the exact temperature range regarded as room temperature can differ across disciplines and institutions.