What is the energy of a substance due to the movement or vibration of its molecules called?

The energy of a substance due to the movement or vibration of its molecules is referred to as thermal energy. This type of energy is associated with the temperature of the substance and arises from the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules. As molecules move faster, they have greater kinetic energy, resulting in higher thermal energy, which is perceived as an increase in temperature. Thermal energy is a crucial concept in understanding heat transfer and the state of matter, as it plays a vital role in phase changes and thermal interactions between different materials.

Other forms of energy listed, such as sound energy, chemical energy, and kinetic energy, describe different aspects of energy. Sound energy relates to the energy carried by sound waves, chemical energy pertains to the potential energy stored in chemical bonds, and kinetic energy refers to the energy an object has due to its motion. In the context of molecular movement and vibration, thermal energy is the most appropriate term.