A student arranges two blocks of copper next to each other so that they are touching. At the start of the experiment, Block 1’s temperature is 40°C, and Block 2’s temperature is 20°C. The two blocks remain in an isolated system until all heat energy is transferred. Which picture correctly shows the blocks’ ending temperatures?(1 point)Responses

Answer 1

In an isolated system where two blocks of different temperatures are in contact, heat will flow from the hotter object (Block 1 at 40°C) to the cooler object (Block 2 at 20°C) until thermal equilibrium is reached. The final temperature will be somewhere between the two initial temperatures.

Assuming no heat is lost to the environment, the final temperature can be calculated using the principle of conservation of energy. Since both blocks are made of the same material (copper), they will eventually reach the same temperature.

The ending temperature of both blocks will be greater than 20°C and less than 40°C. If you had to choose one picture, it would show both blocks at an equal temperature (which is between 20°C and 40°C).

Since I cannot see the pictures you have, the correct one should portray both blocks at a final temperature that is the same for both, representing thermal equilibrium.