Heat energy is the form of energy that is produced from the movement of the molecules in a solid, liquid, or gas. The sun is the main source of heat energy on Earth. This form is also known as solar energy. However, heat can also be obtained from sources such as Earth itself, burning fuels, and electricity.

Geothermal Sources

The very planet where you live, Earth, has sources of heat energy. These are referred to as geothermal sources. Near the surface of Earth are hot water and rocks that are tapped to generate heat energy for homes and other buildings. Yet greater amounts of heat energy are sourced from Earth’s mantle, which is composed of molten lava, or extremely hot rocks. These rocks are thrown off onto the surface of Earth during volcanic eruptions.

In countries with many volcanoes such as Iceland, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States, heat energy from geothermal sources is used to produce electricity.

Fuels

Heat energy is also produced by burning fuels. A fuel is any flammable substance that produces heat when it is burned. Among the fuels that may be familiar to you are charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, oil, and wood.

You may have seen how burning charcoal provides the heat energy that is needed to grill some of your food during picnics.

Certain parts of a vehicle work to convert gasoline into heat energy that causes the vehicle to move. Kerosene, oil, and wood are also transformed into sources of heat energy when they are utilized in the right manner.