What term describes thermal energy that flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature?

• A. Heat
• B. Energy
• C. Temperature
• D. Work

Answer: (A)

Heat is the thermal energy that flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature. It describes energy in transit due to a temperature difference, moving until both objects reach the same temperature. This transfer can occur by conduction, convection, or radiation. Temperature is simply a measure of how hot or cold something is, not the energy moving. Energy is a broad term for the capacity to do work or cause change, while work is energy transfer that happens when a force moves an object. So heat specifically refers to the transfer of thermal energy driven by a temperature difference.