Thermal energy refers to the ability to do work. As such thermal energy can also be defined as the ability of something to do work as a result of the movement of its particles.
In other words, thermal energy is the energy possessed by an object or body by virtue of the movement of its constituent particles.
It is the total internal kinetic energy of an object due to the random motion of its atoms and molecules.
Thermal energy is a type of kinetic energy owing to the fact that it results from the movement of particles. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
Thermal energy forms the foundation of the study of heat energy and thermodynamics. It is one of the oldest forms of energy utilized by mankind.
Its usage existed even before petroleum and nuclear power sources were discovered.
