How do we measure thermal energy?
The best way to measure the thermal energy of an object is to use a thermometer. A thermometer is a glass tube filled with a liquid (mercury) which expands or contracts depending on the temperature of the object it is in contact with.
What is thermal heat energy measured in?
Depending on the context, there are several ways to measure thermal energy. The two most common units of measurement for this type of energy are the Joule (J) and the calorie (cal). In modern science, the joule is the SI unit of measurement for energy of all kinds including chemical, thermal and electrical energy.