Thermal Energy

Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, which is related to its temperature.

Heat is the energy transferred between two objects with different temperatures, moving from the warmer object to the cooler one until they reach thermal equilibrium.

When water freezes, it changes from a liquid to a solid state, forming ice.

In a solid, molecules are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement, vibrating in place.

In a gas, molecules are far apart and move freely, filling the entire volume of their container.

Thermal energy transfer occurs through conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials.

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature.

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

When an object absorbs heat, its temperature increases.