Thermal energy is the internal energy present in a system due to its temperature. It is the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the particles within an object, which are associated with their random motions. The SI unit of thermal energy is the joule (J).
Some daily life examples of thermal energy are listed below:
- Boiling Water: When water is heated on a stove, the thermal energy is transferred to the water molecules, causing them to move faster and eventually reach a boiling point.
- Baking: In an oven, thermal energy is used to cook food as heat is transferred to the items being baked.
- Sunbathing: The sun’s rays transfer thermal energy to your body, making you feel warm when exposed to sunlight.
- Ironing Clothes: The electric iron converts electrical energy into thermal energy, which is then used to remove wrinkles from clothes.
- Radiator Heating: In cold weather, radiators transfer thermal energy to rooms, warming the air inside.
- Hot Beverage: A cup of hot tea or coffee contains thermal energy, which warms you from the inside as you drink it.
- Campfire: Burning wood in a campfire releases thermal energy, providing warmth and light.
- Body Heat: Humans generate thermal energy through metabolic processes, maintaining body temperature.
- Heating Blanket: Electric blankets convert electrical energy into thermal energy, providing warmth during sleep.
- Car Engine: Internal combustion engines in cars convert fuel into thermal energy to propel the vehicle.
