Answer:
Heat energy is a term used to describe the level of activity for the molecules in an object. An object with molecules that are very "excited" and move around rapidly is known as being hot, while an object with molecules whose atoms move around less rapidly is known as cold. The heat energy, or thermal energy, can be transferred between objects. So, heat refers to this energy transfer between objects, while temperature refers to the energy contained within the objects.
There are three basic ways to transfer heat energy: convection, conduction, and radiation. Convection transfers heat energy through gases or liquids. Conduction transfers heat energy from one solid to another. Radiation transfers heat in the form of waves or particles through places where there are no molecules. It is a form of electromagnetic energy. Here are some common examples of heat energy.
Examples:
- The biggest example of heat energy in our solar system is the sun itself. The sun radiates heat to warm us up on the planet earth.
- When the burner of a stove top is very hot, it is a source of heat energy. Anything placed onto the stovetop and warmed, whether a pot of tea or a skillet for frying eggs, also become sources of heat energy.
- Automobile fuels such as gasoline are sources of heat energy, as is the hot engine of a race car or a school bus.
- A toaster is turned on and turns a piece of bread into a piece of toast. This is due to the radiant heat energy of the toast, which draws moisture from the bread and makes it crispy.
- A hot cup of steaming cocoa contains heat energy.
- Any fire, from the smallest match, to the fireplace, to the biggest forest fire ever, contains heat energy – with even the smallest of fires potentially resulting in the massive amount of heat energy seen in a huge blaze.