What type of energy flows naturally from a hot object to a cooler object?A light energyB mechanical energyC potential energyD thermal energy

Analyzing the Options

1. Light Energy: This type of energy involves electromagnetic radiation, which doesn’t inherently flow from a hot object to a cooler one.

2. Mechanical Energy: This refers to energy related to the motion and position of an object. It does not describe the thermal transfer process.

3. Potential Energy: This is energy stored in an object due to its position. It does not pertain to the transfer between hot and cooler objects.

4. Thermal Energy: This type of energy directly relates to the kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. When a hot object transfers its thermal energy to a cooler object, it is essentially an example of heat transfer.

Final Answer

The correct answer is D: thermal energy. This is the type of energy that flows naturally from a hot object to a cooler object.