Question 28 of 25 What is thermal energy? A. The average kinetic energy of molecules in a system B. The difference in potential energy between two states C. The total kinetic energy of the particles in a system D. The transfer of chemical energy between molecules

## Step 1<br />Thermal energy is a form of energy that is associated with the temperature of an object. the total kinetic energy of the particles in a system. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />The kinetic energy of particles is due to their motion. The faster the particles move, the higher the thermal energy of the system. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A refers to the average kinetic energy of molecules in a system, which is actually the definition of temperature, not thermal energy. <br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B describes the difference in potential energy between two states, which is not related to thermal energy. <br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option D describes the transfer of chemical energy between molecules, which is a chemical reaction and not thermal energy.