Thermal energy is also commonly referred to as heat energy. This term is used to describe the energy that is transferred between systems or objects due to a temperature difference. Heat energy is a form of kinetic energy that results from the movement of particles within a substance. The faster these particles move, the more heat energy they generate.
In everyday language, when we talk about heat, we are often referring to thermal energy. For example, when you feel the warmth of the sun or the heat from a stove, you are experiencing thermal energy in action. This energy can be transferred through conduction, convection, or radiation, and it plays a crucial role in various natural and technological processes.