Examples of Thermal Energy

Fire and heat are, indeed, the very source of life. It is by the presence or absence of heat in an organism that we determine whether or not any spark of life still flickers within the confines of its cells. As much as an excess of heat might wreak unimagined havoc to animate and inanimate objects alike, an absence of it cannot be done without. Thermal energy is the energy produced by heat of any kind. It is a kind of kinetic energy as this kind of energy is produced when the molecules of a heat producing body or object experience an acceleration in their velocity or an increase in their molecular activities. This causes the molecules to collide against each other with great force, causing a lot of molecular friction, producing more heat as a result. There are many instances and examples of thermal energy all around us. Let's discuss some common thermal energy examples to better understand what is thermal energy and how it works.
Thermal Energy Examples
Before we take a tour of some common examples of thermal energy, lets go through a brief discussion of the three different forms in which thermal energy can exist. Thermal energy can exist either by way of radiation, latent absorption or by application of direct heat. Radiation occurs when heat energy is transmitted through space and all objects within close vicinity of the radiating source picks up the heat. Latent heat energy can occur when an object absorbs energy in due course of an activity. Chemical reactions are a common example of latent thermal energy. The third kind is the most simple kind of thermal energy in which an object is either hot itself (fire) or is heated by direct exposure to a naturally hot object (live coals). You may go through the Buzzle resource on thermal energy facts to learn more. Now, let's proceed towards some good and simple thermal energy examples.
Solar Thermal Energy
This is perhaps the most commonly harnessed thermal energy form we can see around us. Solar energy is being used on a large scale for industrial as well as domestic heating purposes. Ever heard about solar water heaters gaining more popularity these over conventional geysers on ecological grounds? Well, it's true!
Ocean Thermal Energy
This type of thermal energy is harnessed by utilizing the difference between the temperatures of the deep and shallow water areas in the oceans. Oceans and large water surfaces have huge thermal energy storage potential as they are exposed to the direct rays of the sun for very long durations. With the right technology, this heat energy can be harvested to power a lot of heavy applications and power consuming machinery for the benefit of civilization, without imposing a heavy cost on Nature.This type of thermal energy is harnessed by utilizing the difference between the temperatures of the deep and shallow water areas in the oceans. Oceans and large water surfaces have huge thermal energy storage potential as they are exposed to the direct rays of the sun for very long durations. With the right technology, this heat energy can be harvested to power a lot of heavy applications and power consuming machinery for the benefit of civilization, without imposing a heavy cost on Nature.