What is the term for the energy required to change a substance's temperature or state?

The term that describes the energy required to change a substance's temperature or state is thermal energy. This type of energy is associated with the movement of particles within a substance. When energy is absorbed or released, it can result in a temperature change or a phase transition, such as melting, boiling, or sublimation.

In the context of thermal energy, changing the temperature involves the kinetic energy of the particles—applying heat increases their movement, which raises the temperature. Similarly, a phase change requires energy to overcome the forces between particles—this energy is also classified as thermal energy.

This concept emphasizes the interplay between temperature and state changes, highlighting how energy transfers in heating and cooling processes affect matter. Kinetic energy, while related to the motion of particles, does not fully encompass all aspects of thermal energy, especially regarding phase changes. Caloric energy is an outdated term and is not commonly used in modern scientific discussion. Potential energy refers to energy stored due to an object's position or configuration, which is distinct from the energy involved in temperature or state changes.