The average kinetic energy of the structural elements of a system (atoms, molecules, charged particles) is called temperature.
The total kinetic energy of the structural elements of a system is called thermal energy.
The temperature can be positive or negative, while the thermal energy always has positive values.
The temperature is measured in Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit. The thermal energy is measured in Joule and Calorie.
The temperature does not depend on the quantity of the substance – it is related to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
The thermal energy depends on the quantity of the substance – it is related to the total kinetic energy of the particles.