How does an increase in temperature affect thermal energy?

An increase in temperature leads to an increase in thermal energy because thermal energy is closely related to the kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. As temperature rises, the particles within a substance move more rapidly due to the gain in energy. This increased movement results in a greater overall energy level within the system.

In terms of kinetic theory, temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a material. Therefore, when the temperature goes up, the average kinetic energy of those particles also increases, which contributes to a rise in the total thermal energy of the substance. This principle is fundamental in understanding how energy transfer occurs in different states of matter and during various physical processes.