Ima

Thermal Energy is the energy that comes from the movement of tiny particles (atoms and molecules) inside a substance.

A simple definition:

Thermal energy is the total energy of all the moving particles in an object.

Examples:

• A hot cup of tea has more thermal energy than a cold cup of tea.

• Fire gives off thermal energy.

• The Sun provides thermal energy to Earth.

Important points:

• When particles move faster, thermal energy increases.

• When particles move slower, thermal energy decreases.

• Thermal energy flows from a hotter object to a colder object.

Example:

If you hold an ice cube, thermal energy moves from your warm hand to the cold ice, causing the ice to melt.