Thermal energy is a form of energy obtained when a substance heats up. Although the term thermal energy can be used differently and often loosely. Thermal energy can also be called heat energy, as it is produced when a rise in temperature causes atoms and molecules to move faster and collide with each other.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what thermal energy is, its examples, diagrams, transferring methods, and how it works.
Let’s get started!
Learn about Renewable Energy with this detailed guide!
What is Thermal Energy?
Thermal energy can be defined as energy that is possessed by an object or system due to the movement of particles within the object or the system. Among the majority, thermal energy is known for its ability to do work.
This work is the movement of an object due to an applied force. A system is a collection of objects within some boundary. For this reason, thermal energy is described as the ability of something to do work due to the movement of its particles.
This energy is a type of kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion because it’s due to the movement of particles. Thermal energy results in something having an internal temperature that can be measured.
For instance, a thermometer used within an object or system takes the temperature measurement in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The faster the particle moves within the object, the higher the temperature taken.
Furthermore, heat is a form of energy that always travels from a hotter substance to a colder substance. The hot or cold state of the substance is what we referred to as temperature.
So, thermal energy refers to the energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature. Heat is the flow of thermal energy. Thermodynamics, which is a branch of physics, deals with how heat is transferred between different systems and how the work is done in the process.
Examples of Thermal Energy
Thermal energy has lots of examples we can experience in our daily lives. Below are some examples of heat energy:
- Someone receiving warmth from the sun
- A cup of hot chocolate
- Boiling water in a kettle is an example of thermal and kinetic energy.
- Baking in an oven
- The heat from a heater.
Looking at boiling water on a stove, the heated element on a stove contains thermal energy. If it increases, the internal energy of the stove also increases. This thermal energy here is the molecules that make up the metal of the stove’s element.
These moving molecules are invisible, but they are available. The faster the molecules, the more internal thermal energy they contain.
You should also learn about Non-Renewable Energy with this detailed guide!
Diagram
Methods of Transferring Heat
Thermal energy can be transferred in three basic ways, which include convection, conduction, and radiation.
Convection
The convection process occurs in many homes, as heating often takes place due to the weather conditions. The heat-transferring process is achieved through gases or liquids.
As air is heated in homes, the particles gain heat energy, making them move faster, warming the cooler particles. Because hot air is less dense than cold air, it rises, and as the cooler air falls, it will be drawn into the heating systems.
It will also allow the faster particles to quickly heat up the air. This is known as a circular flow of air, and it’s called a convection current, which circles and heats our homes.
Learn about Geothermal energy with this detailed guide!
Conduction
The conduction methods of transferring heat are obtained between objects that are touching, that is, from one solid to another. A good example of the conduction process is placing a frying pan on a stove, which will warm up when the stove is turned on.
When the cool pan is put on the hot burner, heat energy is transferred from the burner to the pan, which in turn heats up. Finally,
Radiation
In radiation, heat moves through places where there are no molecules in a form of electromagnetic energy. in other words, any item whose heat can be felt without direct connection is radiating energy.
A beneficial example is the sun. Everyone can feel the heat from the sun when exposed to it. Also, when a room is full of people, you’ll experience natural warmth because each person’s body is radiating heat.
How Is Thermal Energy Produced?
Thermal energy can come from different sources like solar, ocean, and geothermal. The solar energy is often obtained from reflectors and receivers that collect and concentrate the energy from the sun. The sun’s energy determines the amount of energy obtained.
The sun’s energy is harnessed on a tube containing a heat-transfer fluid, which is used to power a water turbine, which produces electricity. Some systems make use of storage systems that allow them to hold energy during the night or when there is no sunlight.
Geothermal energy is obtained from the earth’s crust, and it’s considered a cleaner energy than natural gas. It harnesses energy from underground reservoirs where scorching water may flow. This hot water is what drives turbines that generate electricity.
These types of thermal energy may release toxic heavy metals and hydrogen sulfide gas, and it may cause earthquakes.
Another type of thermal energy known as tidal or ocean thermal energy relies on the energy harvested from the ocean’s temperatures. This is due to the different temperature between the ocean’s surface, which is warmed by the sun, and its cold depths.
Learn about Tidal Energy with this detailed guide!
Conclusion
Thermal energy is also called heat energy, as it is produced when a rise in temperature causes atoms and molecules to move faster and collide with each other. That is all for this article, where we discussed the definition, examples, and transferring methods of heat or thermal energy.
Tidal energy is a reliable and renewable form of energy derived from the natural movement of ocean tides. Unlike solar or wind, tidal patterns are predictable, making it a stable energy source.
Though it has high installation costs and limited suitable locations, its long-term benefits—such as low emissions, sustainability, and consistency—make tidal energy a promising option in the future of clean energy.
You should learn about green building with this detailed guide!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is tidal energy?
Tidal energy is the electricity generated from the movement of ocean tides, typically using turbines or barrages.
Is tidal energy renewable?
Yes, it is a renewable energy source that relies on the gravitational interaction between the Earth, moon, and sun.
How is tidal energy harnessed?
Through structures like tidal barrages, tidal turbines, and tidal lagoons that convert water movement into power.
What are the advantages of tidal energy?
- Predictable energy generation
- Environmentally friendly
- Long operational life
- Zero carbon emissions during operation
What are the limitations of tidal energy?
- High upfront cost
- Potential impact on marine life
- Only viable in certain coastal locations
Where is tidal energy being used?
Countries like France, South Korea, the UK, and Canada have invested in tidal energy projects.