I agree with the claim that thermal energy moves from matter with high kinetic energy to matter with lower kinetic energy. This principle is rooted in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that heat flows spontaneously from hotter objects (higher kinetic energy) to cooler ones (lower kinetic energy) until thermal equilibrium is reached. For example, if you place a hot cup of coffee on a cold countertop, thermal energy will transfer from the coffee (higher kinetic energy) to the countertop (lower kinetic energy). As a result, the coffee will gradually cool down, and the countertop will warm slightly. In the context of a chart that categorizes thermal energy transfer, the “Hot in or out?” question could be answered by identifying whether thermal energy is lost or gained in each scenario. For the coffee and countertop example, thermal energy is lost from the coffee, and its kinetic energy decreases (low), while the countertop gains thermal energy and experiences an increase in kinetic energy (from low to moderate). This systematic transfer highlights the fundamental nature of thermal energy movement in varying temperature contexts.
In each scenario, you would assess whether thermal energy is lost or gained, determining the changes in kinetic energy accordingly.