Thermal energy is the energy of moving particles within a substance from "summary" of Physics 11 by British Columbia. Schools Department. Curriculum Development Branch
Thermal energy is a fundamental concept in understanding the behavior of substances. It is the energy associated with the random motion of particles within a substance. This motion is a result of the particles vibrating, rotating, and translating. The more vigorously the particles move, the higher the thermal energy of the substance. When we heat a substance, we are essentially transferring energy to its particles, causing them to move faster and increasing the thermal energy of the substance. Conversely, when we cool a substance, we are taking energy away from its particles, causing them to slow down and decreasing the thermal energy of the substance. The thermal energy of a substance is directly related to its temperature. As the temperature of a substance increases, so does its thermal energy. This is because the increased temperature corresponds to an increase in the average kinetic energy of the particles within the substance. It is important to note that thermal energy is a form of internal energy, as it is related to the microscopic motion of particles within a substance. This internal energy is what determines the state of a substance - whether it is solid, liquid, or gas. For example, in a solid, the particles vibrate in fixed positions, while in a liquid, the particles can move around each other, and in a gas, the particles move freely and independently.- Thermal energy is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of substances. It is the energy associated with the random motion of particles within a substance and is directly related to its temperature. By studying the thermal energy of substances, we can gain insights into their physical properties and behavior.
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