Thermal Energy

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. Thermal energy is the energy an object has due to the movement of its molecules.

Increasing Heat Energy

A rise in temperature makes particles vibrate faster. The hotter the substance, the more its particles move, and the higher its thermal energy. Increasing an object’s thermal energy can cause a phase change.

Decreasing Energy

A decrease in temperature makes particles move slower and become fixed in place. The cooler the substance, the less its particles move, and the lower its thermal energy. Decreasing an object’s thermal energy can cause a phase change.

Melting

Melting is the changing of a solid to a liquid. During this process, thermal energy is increasing.

Evaporation

Evaporation is the changing of a liquid to a gas. During this process, thermal energy is increasing.

Condensation

Condensation is the changing of a gas to a liquid. During this process, thermal energy is decreasing.

Freezing

Freezing is the changing of a liquid to a solid. During this process, thermal energy is decreasing.