Is there a difference between kinetic energy and thermal energy?

[sameeralord]

Quick question about definition of heat

Hello everyone,

Ok the definition of heat says it is the total kinetic energy due to random motion of molecules. My question is it really the total kinetic energy. For example I know in inelastic collision heat is released. So is thermal energy really heat released in inelastic collison of molecules. Also if there is a bunch of molecules in a container and they all had elastic collisions, would there be heat in the container. Thanks !

Edit: Oh I think I worked it out. Tell me if it is right. The total kinetic energy of individual particles in an object is thermal energy (This is what gives temperature). In inelastic collision heat is given off (which is like like loss of thermal energy because heat is energy transfer). Heat is given off when molecules collide with surrounding air and give some energy I think, this is for an example. In elastic collisions, the shape comes back to orginal shape, so no energy is lost. Also this definition from another website helped me.

Question: In detail, what is the difference between kinetic energy
and thermal energy?
marsh

Answer:
Kinetic energy is a general term describing the energy
associated with the motion of objects (large or small objects).
You can calculate the kinetic energy of an object of mass m
with a velocity (speed) v from the formula K.E. = 1/2 mv^2.
Thermal energy refers to the kinetic energy of the microscopic
particles (atoms and molecules) that make up all samples of matter
- i.e. all objects. When you add heat to an object, you increase
the temperature of the object (usually) and that heat increases
the kinetic energy of the molecules that comprise that object.
In fact, temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy
of the microscopic particles that make up an object.
Hope this helps...
Dr. Brown

 

[jim mcnamara]

Let's close this one.
[Mentor's Note: Because it's been 7 years since the OP posted it.]