Answer:
As thermal energy is added, the temperature increases, and the motion of particles within a substance increases. This leads to higher kinetic energy among the particles, causing them to vibrate and move more rapidly.
Explanation:
Here are some effects of adding thermal energy to a substance:
Increased Vibrational Motion: At lower temperatures, molecules within a substance vibrate around their equilibrium positions. As thermal energy is added, these vibrations become more pronounced and energetic. In solids, this is especially evident as an increase in the amplitude of molecular vibrations.
Expansion and Contraction: In the case of many materials, heating causes an increase in the average distance between molecules, leading to expansion. Conversely, removing thermal energy (cooling) causes the substance to contract. This property is utilized in various applications, such as the functioning of thermostats.
Transition to Different States of Matter: Depending on the substance and the amount of thermal energy added, there can be phase transitions. For example, as a solid absorbs heat, it may undergo a phase transition to a liquid (melting), and further heating might cause it to transition to a gas (vaporization).
Increased Random Motion: Thermal energy contributes to the random motion of particles within a substance. In gases, this is particularly evident, as increased thermal energy leads to higher speeds and more random motion of gas molecules.
Changes in Physical Properties: The addition of thermal energy can cause changes in the physical properties of a substance, such as its temperature, pressure, and volume. This relationship is often described by fundamental principles like the ideal gas law for gases.
