The Term Thermal Energy Describes The

Question

The term thermal energy describes the
A)orderly movement of electrons along a conductor (such as a wire).
B)movement of photons as they travel through space.
C)attractive power of two magnets toward one another.
D)random movement or vibration of the molecules of any substance (water molecules in a beaker, for example).

Accepted Answer

Thermal energy refers to the random movement or vibration of the molecules of any substance. This movement results in an increase in temperature and can be felt as heat. Option A describes the movement of electrons in a conductor, option B describes the movement of photons, and option C describes magnetism - none of which are related to thermal energy.