thermal energy
"Thermal energy" is a form of internal energy linked to the temperature of a system, arising from the motion of its particles.
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Definition
C1Physics
(technical, academic)The internal energy of a system due to the kinetic energy of its molecules or atoms.
Example
- The thermal energy of the gas increases as its temperature rises.
B2Engineering
(technical)Energy in a system that is due to its temperature, often referred to as heat.
Example
- Engineers must consider thermal energy when designing cooling systems for electronics.
C1Military
(technical)Energy released during an explosion.
Example
- The thermal energy from the explosion caused extensive damage to the surrounding area.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "thermal energy":
kinetic energyelectric energyvibrational energynuclear energyenergy leveltan heatunavailable energyfree energywind energyalternative energy