Question

A family got a new refrigerator with a cold water and ice dispenser built in the door. The water that comes out is very cold, but they noticed that even this cold water caused the ice to melt. They thought the refrigerator might not be working correctly. What would you tell them about why the ice is melting in the cold water? (1 point)
Responses

The water is still warmer than the ice cube, so thermal energy moves from the water to the ice cube.
The water is still warmer than the ice cube, so thermal energy moves from the water to the ice cube.

Ice cubes must always melt eventually
Ice cubes must always melt eventually

The ice cube is still colder than the water, so thermal energy moves from the ice cube to the water.
The ice cube is still colder than the water, so thermal energy moves from the ice cube to the water.

The air around the water melts the ice cube.
The air around the water melts the ice cube.

Answer 1

The water is still warmer than the ice cube, so thermal energy moves from the water to the ice cube.

Even very cold liquid water is usually above 0°C, so it transfers heat to the ice. That heat melts the ice until temperatures reach equilibrium (or until the ice all melts). The fridge is likely working fine.