a cup of water and a bucket of water left out in the sun
have the same water temperature, but the bucket has more thermal energy. the same is
true for a bucket of water and a swimming pool that have been out in the sun over time.
although they have the same water temperature, the swimming pool has more thermal
energy. based on these examples, how does the definition of temperature differ from the
definition of thermal energy?

The main difference b/w these two is that thermal energy deals with the heat while Temperature deals with the kinetic energy of the molecules .

Explanation:

In case of thermal energy , heat is the only concern for the object as in this scenario , bucket and swimming pool has larger surface area to absorb the heat directly from the sun while the temperature is relevant to the kinetic motion of the water molecules in the exhibited objects in the example .

Let me know if you need more explanation about this . thanks

a is the answer to this question

explanation: