Question

differentiating between internal and thermal energy
which best describes the difference between internal and thermal energy?
internal energy is the total potential energy in a substance, and thermal energy is the total kinetic energy in a substance
thermal energy is the total potential energy in a substance, and internal energy is the total kinetic energy in a substance.
internal energy is the total potential and kinetic energies in a substance, and thermal energy is the part of internal energy that can be transferred to another substance.
thermal energy is the total potential and kinetic energies in a substance, and internal energy is the part of internal energy that can be transferred to another substance

Explanation:

Internal energy encompasses all potential and kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Thermal energy is the transfer - able part of internal energy related to temperature differences.

Answer:

C. Internal energy is the total potential and kinetic energies in a substance, and thermal energy is the part of internal energy that can be transferred to another substance.