It is the motion of particles that creates a form of energy called heat (or thermal) energy that is present in all matter. These tiny particles are always in motion – either bumping into each other or vibrating back and forth. Matter exists in different physical forms – solids, liquids and gases.Īll matter is made of tiny particles called atoms, molecules and ions.

It is everything in the universe – anything that has both mass and volume and takes up space is matter. This is known as reaching a state of thermal equilibrium.

Eventually, the ice will melt and the lemonade and water from the ice will be the same temperature. If you put the ice in the lemonade, the lemonade (which is warmer) will transfer some of its heat energy to the ice. The transfer or flow due to the difference in temperature between the two objects is called heat.įor example, an ice cube has heat energy and so does a glass of lemonade. Heat energy can be transferred from one object to another. Heat energy is the result of the movement of tiny particles called atoms, molecules or ions in solids, liquids and gases. Actually, heat energy is all around us – in volcanoes, in icebergs and in your body.

What is all matter made of