What is the definition of thermal energy?

Beginners

Thermal energy is a type of energy that comes from heat. It refers to the internal energy of an object due to the motion of its molecules and atoms. The more heat that is added to an object, the more thermal energy it will have. This energy can be transferred from one object to another in the form of heat. An example of thermal energy is the warmth you feel from a cup of hot tea.

Intermediate

Thermal energy refers to the energy that is generated by the movement of atoms or molecules within a substance. It is related to the temperature of a substance, as the hotter the substance, the more thermal energy it contains. Thermal energy can be transferred between objects through the processes of conduction, convection, and radiation. It is an essential property of matter that is important in many fields of science and engineering.

Advanced

Thermal energy is the internal energy of an object or system due to the movement and vibrations of its particles, which increase with temperature. It is a form of kinetic energy that results from the motion of atoms and molecules within a substance, and it can be transferred from one object to another through conduction, convection or radiation. In advanced studies of thermodynamics and energy transfer, thermal energy is a fundamental concept that plays a key role in understanding various physical systems, such as engines, refrigeration systems, and power generation processes.