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Thermal Energy
Let's look at thermal energy in more detail.
Thermal energy is the sum of the kinetic and potential energy of all particles that make up an object. As the kinetic energy increases and the particles move faster and faster, thermal energy also increases. The more the particles move around, the more they move, getting farther and farther apart. As they move farther apart, their potential energy increases.
Thermal energy is dependent on temperature and mass.
- As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy also increases.
- Likewise, as the mass of an object increases, the thermal energy of the object also increases.
Heat
Heat is energy that is transferred between objects. It moves from hotter areas to cooler areas.
Have you ever stood in front of your refrigerator with the door open just looking for something to eat? You hear your mother call out, "Shut the refrigerator door. You're letting the cold out!"
Surprisingly, that's not an accurate statement! What actually happens is that the warmer air in your house moves into the cooler region of your refrigerator.
Objects that are warm will always heat up objects that are cooler. For instance, a hot pot will heat the cool water inside.
Laws of Thermodynamics
Like other forms of energy, thermal energy does not appear or disappear. It cannot be created or destroyed.
We use the laws of thermodynamics to describe conservation of energy. For example, when you're cold, you rub your hands together for warmth. After a few moments of rubbing your hands together, they will begin to warm because the energy is transferred as heat.