Thermal energy from Earth’s mantle drives the massive movements of undersea crust, which result in seismic events that can potentially generate the tsunamis studied by Dr. Titov. Thermal energy is the form of energy that we associate with the vibration and movement of atomic particles. As these bits of matter gain thermal energy, their movements increase. As you have observed, these changes in motion affect various properties of the material, including its state, volume, and rate of chemical reactivity.

In this activity, you will have the opportunity to explore thermal energy. You will use tools to observe its presence and effects. You will also construct an understanding of this energy through several inquiry-based investigations.