1. Which direction does thermal energy transfer? a. Cold to hot b. Hot to cold c. Either direction d. Neither , they just mix

## Step 1<br />Thermal energy, also known as heat, is a form of energy that is transferred between objects due to a temperature difference. This transfer of energy is always from a hotter object to a cooler one.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />This is a fundamental principle of thermodynamics, specifically the second law of thermodynamics. The second law of thermodynamics states that heat cannot spontaneously flow from a colder body to a hotter body.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Therefore, thermal energy always transfers from hot to cold, not the other way around.