What does the term "thermal energy" refer to?

The term "thermal energy" specifically refers to the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, which arises from their motion. As the temperature of a substance increases, the particles move more rapidly, contributing to a greater overall kinetic energy. This energy is a manifestation of the random motion of atoms and molecules within the substance, and it directly relates to how hot or cold a substance feels.

Thermal energy plays a crucial role in various processes in physical science, including heat transfer, phase changes, and thermodynamic systems. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, and hence, thermal energy serves as a comprehensive term that encompasses all the kinetic activity of a substance's particles.

The other choices represent different forms of energy. Chemical energy refers to the energy stored in chemical bonds; energy transfer due to temperature differences pertains to the concept of heat, rather than thermal energy itself; potential energy relates to the position of an object in a gravitational field or other fields. Each of these energy types has distinct definitions and applications within the study of physical science.