What type of energy transfer occurs between two objects in contact?

The transfer of energy that occurs between two objects in contact is classified as heat energy. This process involves the movement of thermal energy from a hotter object to a cooler one due to the contact between them, leading to the equalization of temperature. As the molecules in the warmer object vibrate more rapidly, they collide with the molecules in the cooler object, transferring energy and causing the cooler object to increase in temperature.

In contrast, potential energy refers to the stored energy due to position or arrangement, which does not involve direct contact between objects for transfer. Electrical energy involves the movement of electric charge and typically occurs in circuits rather than through contact between objects. Chemical energy refers to energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds and is released during a chemical reaction, also not involving direct contact in the context of energy transfer. Therefore, heat energy is the most accurate answer in the context of contact-based energy transfer.