Substance X transfers thermal energy to substance Y through conduction. What is an accurate conclusion about the condition of both substances before conduction occurred?

Question

Their molecules had the same amount of energy.
The substances were the same temperature.
Substance X’s molecules were faster than substance Y’s.
Substance X was cooler than substance Y.

Answer 1

The most accurate conclusion about the condition of both substances before conduction occurred is:

Substance X’s molecules were faster than substance Y’s.

This conclusion can be drawn because thermal energy flows from a substance with higher molecular energy (and therefore higher temperature) to a substance with lower molecular energy (and lower temperature). If substance X is transferring thermal energy to substance Y through conduction, it indicates that substance X is at a higher temperature, meaning its molecules are moving faster than those of substance Y.