The diagram below shows two flasks of water, one with hot water and the other with room temperature water, which are connected by a conductive metal bar.

Question

When initially set up, in which direction does the thermal energy between the flasks flow?

A.
Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.

B.
Thermal energy flows from the flask on the right to the flask on the left.

C.
Thermal energy does not flow between the two flasks.

D.
Thermal energy flows equally between the two flasks.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A. Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.

Explanation: Thermal energy always flows from the hotter object (in this case, the flask with hot water) to the cooler object (the flask with room temperature water) until thermal equilibrium is reached.