Temperatures of four liquid substances are shown in the chart.

A 2 column table with 4 rows. The first column is labeled substance with entries W, X, Y, Z. The second column is labeled temperature in degrees celcius with entries 40, 37, 19, 37.
Which statement is best supported by the data in the chart?

Substance X will transfer thermal energy to substance Y mainly through radiation if they are mixed.
Substance Y will transfer thermal energy to substance Z through conduction if they are mixed.
Substance X will transfer thermal energy to substance W through radiation if they are placed near each other.
Substance W will transfer thermal energy to substance X through conduction if they are mixed.

1 answer

To analyze the statements based on the temperature data provided for substances W, X, Y, and Z:

  • Substance W: 40°C
  • Substance X: 37°C
  • Substance Y: 19°C
  • Substance Z: 37°C

Here's a breakdown of each statement:

  1. Substance X will transfer thermal energy to substance Y mainly through radiation if they are mixed.

    • Incorrect. The transfer would likely occur through conduction rather than radiation since they are in contact when mixed. Also, since substance X (37°C) is warmer than substance Y (19°C), thermal energy would flow from X to Y.
  2. Substance Y will transfer thermal energy to substance Z through conduction if they are mixed.

    • Incorrect. Substance Y (19°C) is cooler than substance Z (37°C), so thermal energy would flow from Z to Y, not the other way around.
  3. Substance X will transfer thermal energy to substance W through radiation if they are placed near each other.

    • Incorrect. While radiation could occur if they are not touching, substance W (40°C) is actually warmer than substance X (37°C), so thermal energy would flow from W to X if they were placed together.
  4. Substance W will transfer thermal energy to substance X through conduction if they are mixed.

    • Correct. Since substance W (40°C) is warmer than substance X (37°C), thermal energy would flow from W to X through conduction when they are mixed.

Based on the analysis, the statement best supported by the data is:

Substance W will transfer thermal energy to substance X through conduction if they are mixed.