Which of the following best describes what thermal energy refers to?

• A. The energy an object possesses due to its position or composition
• B. The total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance due to their random motion
• C. The energy stored in the chemical bonds of a substance
• D. The energy associated with the movement of electrons between energy levels

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that thermal energy is related to the microscopic motion of particles within a substance.
2. Recall that kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and in the context of particles, it refers to their movement.
3. Recognize that thermal energy is the sum of the kinetic energies of all the particles in a substance due to their random motion.
4. Differentiate thermal energy from other forms of energy such as potential energy (due to position or composition), chemical energy (stored in bonds), and electronic energy (movement of electrons between energy levels).
5. Conclude that thermal energy best describes the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance due to their random motion.