Thermal energy, commonly referred to as heat, is the energy that comes from the movement of tiny particles within an object. The faster these particles move, the more heat is generated. This energy can be transferred from one object to another, often resulting in temperature changes. Heat can be transferred in three main ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. In conduction, heat moves through direct contact between materials, while in convection, it circulates through fluids like air or water. Radiation involves heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight warming the Earth.