What Is the Difference Between Temperature and Thermal Energy?

[Peter G.]

Hi,

While running, a person generates thermal energy but maintain approximately constant temperature:

Distinguish between the terms: Temperature and Thermal Energy

I know temperature is a measure of the average Kinetic Energy of molecules but I always get confused when it comes to thermal energy. Could anyone try and help me with that? The problem lies in the fact it is usually explained by saying it is the energy involved in the interaction between two objects and since the question says the runner generates thermal energy...

The next question is a model (A closed container holds 70kg of water, representing the runner. The water is heated at a rate of 1200W for 30 minutes. This represents the energy generated by the heater) and it asks me to outline three methods, other than evaporation, by which the container in the model would transfer energy to the surroundings.

What should I do here? Try and outline the process of conduction, convection and radiation?

Thanks,
Peter G.

 

[cepheid]

I think that thermal energy refers to the total internal energy (due to random motions/vibrations/rotations of atoms/molecules) as opposed to temperature, which is a description of the statistical average of those motions. The fact that the runner generates thermal energy yet maintains a constant temperature suggests that he or she is cooling by means of a transfer of heat to his/her surroundings. Therefore, some of the thermal energy ends up in the external environment.

You are right about the three typical mechanisms by which this heat transfer occurs, and I think the question is just asking you to describe each one.

 

[Peter G.]

Ok thanks.