The surface of a heated metal object measures 120°C. It is dropped into a bucket filled with water measuring 10°C.
Which of the following is most likely to occur?
a
The water will remain the same temperature, but the metal will cool to 10°C
b
The water and metal will adjust to different temperatures above 120°C.
c
The water and metal will adjust to the same temperature between 10°C and 120°C.
d
Both the water and metal will adjust to the same temperature below 10°C.
1 answer
c. The water and metal will adjust to the same temperature between 10°C and 120°C. Heat will flow from the metal to the water until they reach a thermal equilibrium, which will be a temperature between the initial temperatures of the metal and water.