Question

Which statement is true about the thermal energy of an object? Choose the correct answer. 1). Thermal energy is the internal potential energy of an object. 2). Thermal energy is the heat that is transferred in and out of an object. 3). Thermal energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy of an object. 4). Thermal energy is the internal kinetic energy of the molecules of an object.

Answer 1

Thermal energy of an object is its internal kinetic energy due to the random motions of atoms and molecules, contributing to the object's temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which statement is true about the thermal energy of an object. The correct answer is that thermal energy is the internal kinetic energy of the molecules of an object. This is because thermal energy refers to the energy associated with the random motions of an object's atoms and molecules. As the atoms and molecules move faster, they have greater kinetic energy, resulting in higher thermal energy and, thus, a higher temperature. Thermal energy is distinct from heat, as heat is the energy transferred between objects due to a temperature difference, not the energy contained within a single object.

Answer 2

This thermal energy flows as heat within the box and floor, ultimately raising the temperature of both of these objects.