noun

thermal energy

THUR-muhl EN-er-jee

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Thermal energy (noun) means the energy a substance has because of the random motion of the particles inside it, which is what makes it feel hot or cold. Example: “As the water is heated, its thermal energy increases and the molecules move faster.”

noun

The energy a substance has because of the random motion of the particles inside it, which is what makes it feel hot or cold.

"As the water is heated, its thermal energy increases and the molecules move faster."

"Thermal energy from the reactor turns water into steam that drives the turbines."

Loosely, heat regarded as a usable resource, especially in engineering and energy generation.

"The plant captures waste thermal energy from the smelter and feeds it into the district heating network."

How to use thermal energy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe energy in something that makes it hot, caused by its particles moving about.

When to use it

Standard in school science and engineering. Physicists writing precisely tend to prefer internal energy for the quantity a body possesses and heat for energy in transit.

Memory tip

Temperature measures how fast the particles move on average; thermal energy also depends on how many particles there are. A bath is cooler than a spark but holds far more thermal energy.

Easily confused with

heat → temperature → kinetic energy →

Common pairings

thermal energy transfer store thermal energy thermal energy storage waste thermal energy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “thermal energy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

As the water is heated, its _____ increases and the molecules move faster.

Synonyms

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heat energy internal energy heat

Related words

cool race heat wake temperature passion bars substance

Rhymes for thermal energy

clergy energy synergy allergy

See all rhymes for thermal energy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between thermal energy and heat?

Thermal energy is the energy stored inside an object because its particles are in motion. Heat is thermal energy on the move — the transfer of that energy from a hotter body to a cooler one. An object has thermal energy; it does not have heat.

What is the difference between thermal energy and temperature?

Temperature is the average kinetic energy of the particles, so it tells you how hot something is regardless of size. Thermal energy is the total, so it depends on the amount of material as well. A cup of boiling water and a swimming pool at 40°C differ hugely in thermal energy.

Is thermal energy the same as kinetic energy?

Thermal energy is largely the kinetic energy of particles, but at the microscopic, random scale rather than the motion of the object as a whole. A parked kettle has no kinetic energy but plenty of thermal energy.

What is the meaning of thermal energy?

"thermal energy" (noun) means the energy a substance has because of the random motion of the particles inside it, which is what makes it feel hot or cold.

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