Thermal energy is the total internal energy of an object due to the kinetic energy of its molecules, which is influenced by temperature. It is the energy that results from the random motion of atoms and molecules within a substance, and can be transferred between objects in the form of heat. This transfer of thermal energy occurs from hotter objects to cooler ones, striving for thermal equilibrium.
Write a 2-3 sentence about what thermal energy is
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Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, described by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. As an object moves faster or has greater mass, its kinetic energy increases, highlighting the relationship between motion and energy.
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, reflecting how hot or cold that substance is. It provides an indication of the energy state of matter, influencing how substances interact and change state, such as melting or boiling. Commonly measured in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin, temperature plays a critical role in various physical and chemical processes.