A mercury thermometer, at an initial temperature of 20◦C, was placed in 40◦C water, and the temperature registered by the thermometer was recorded over time. This procedure was repeated using water samples at 50◦C and 60◦C (see Figure 1). Next, the same thermometer, at an initial temperature of 60◦C, was placed in an air sample at 50◦C, and the temperature registered by the thermometer was recorded over time. This procedure was repeated using air samples at 30◦C and 40◦C (see Figure 2) Based on Figure 1, at 3.0 sec, the thermometer reading in the 40°C water most likely was closest to which of the following?

Correct answer: C. 36°C

A. 47°C
B. 42°C
C. 36°C
D. 31°C

Explanation

According to Figure 1, the dotted line represents a water temperature of 40°. Even though 3.0 seconds is not listed on the graph, you can determine that it is halfway between 2.0 and 4.0 seconds; at 3.0 seconds, the dotted line is at approximately 36°.

Last updated 3 September 2026

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