Which statement best describes what happens as thermal energy from the sun warms the pavement?
A. The thermal energy absorbed by the pavement is destroyed.
B. The thermal energy that is not absorbed by the pavement is
destroyed.
C. Some thermal energy is absorbed by the pavement, and some is
destroyed.
D. The thermal energy of the sun is transferred to the pavement.

D

Explanation:

The correct answer would be that the thermal energy of the sun is transferred to the pavement.

Thermal energy refers to the internal energy possessed by a system by virtue of the movement of molecules within such a system. In other words, it is the heat energy possessed by a system.

When the thermal energy from the sun warms the pavement, it means that the thermal energy from the sun has been successfully transferred to the pavement. Thermal energy can be transferred by conduction, convection, or by radiation depending on whether the system is a solid, liquid, gas respectively.

The correct option is, therefore, D.