Questions: 4 of 19 Part A Is there a distinction between thermal energy and internal energy? Which term do physicists prefer? Internal energy emphasizes heat flow, whereas thermal energy is the grand total of all energies outside a substance. Physicists prefer thermal energy. Thermal energy is outside a substance, whereas internal energy is inside. Physicists prefer internal energy. Thermal energy emphasizes heat flow, whereas internal energy is the grand total of all energies inside a substance. Physicists prefer internal energy. Thermal energy and internal energy are the same. Physicists prefer thermal energy. Submit Request Answer

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Thermal energy and internal energy are terms often used in thermodynamics. It's important to understand their definitions to distinguish between them:

• Thermal Energy: This term is often used to describe the energy associated with the temperature of a system. It is a part of the internal energy that is related to the random motion of particles.

• Internal Energy: This is the total energy contained within a system. It includes all forms of energy within the system, such as kinetic energy due to particle motion and potential energy due to particle interactions.

Let's analyze the given options:

1. Option 1: Internal energy emphasizes heat flow, whereas thermal energy is the grand total of all energies outside a substance. Physicists prefer thermal energy.

   • This is incorrect because internal energy is the total energy inside a substance, not outside.

2. Option 2: Thermal energy is outside a substance, whereas internal energy is inside. Physicists prefer internal energy.

   • This is incorrect because thermal energy is not outside a substance; it is part of the internal energy.

3. Option 3: Thermal energy emphasizes heat flow, whereas internal energy is the grand total of all energies inside a substance. Physicists prefer internal energy.

   • This is correct. Thermal energy is related to heat flow and is a component of internal energy, which is the total energy inside a substance.

4. Option 4: Thermal energy and internal energy are the same. Physicists prefer thermal energy.

   • This is incorrect because thermal energy is a part of internal energy, not the same as it.

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