The Nature of Heat

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the motion of particles in a substance. Heat is the transfer of this energy from one body to another due to a temperature difference.

Methods of Heat Transfer

• Conduction: Direct contact (like a spoon heating up in a hot drink)
• Convection: Fluid movement (like warm air rising)
• Radiation: Transfer through electromagnetic waves (like sunlight)

Temperature vs. Heat

Temperature measures how hot or cold something is, while heat is energy in transit. They are related but not the same!

Real-World Relevance

Understanding heat transfer helps explain everything from how a refrigerator works to why you feel cool under a fan.