A student touches the metal surface of a hot calorimetre. He is likely to burn his hand. If he holds his hand in the hot air inside the calorimetre, then he will remain fine. Which of the following statements BEST describe the given condition?
Correct answer: C. Metal is a good conductor, but air is a poor conductor of heat.
- A. Both the metal and air are poor conductor of heat.
- B. Both the metal and air are good conductors of heat.
- C. Metal is a good conductor, but air is a poor conductor of heat.
- D. Air is a good conductor, but metal is a poor conductor of heat.
Explanation
The problem describes a scenario where touching the metal surface of a hot calorimeter causes a burn, but holding a hand in the hot air inside does not. This indicates a difference in how well metal and air conduct heat. Metals are generally good conductors of heat, meaning they transfer thermal energy efficiently, which is why touching a hot metal surface can cause a burn. Air, on the other hand, is a poor conductor of heat (an insulator), meaning it does not transfer thermal energy as efficiently, hence holding a hand in hot air might not cause a burn even if the air is at a high temperature.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Thermal Equilibrium and Heat
Thermal equilibrium means that bodies in contact have the same temperature and no net heat flows between them. The topic distinguishes heat from temperature, uses the zeroth law of thermodynamics, and covers heat transfer, specific heat capacity, thermal expansion and the conditions for reaching equilibrium.
Practise Thermodynamics
714 free Thermodynamics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Thermal Equilibrium and Heat questions
In an experiment of measuring the mechanical equivalent of heat, a stirrer is placed in the calorimetre filled with hot water.After some time, the exposed end of the stirrer becomes hot.The process(es) that is/ are mainly involved in the transferring of heat processes is/ areI. radiationII. convectionIII. conduction
The gas is at its highest temperature at point(s)
The amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance through 1 K is called
In a process the density of gas remains constant. If the temperature is doubled, then the change in the pressure will be:
Which of the following changes when taken together, will result in a decrease in the pressure of an ideal gas?
Lower fixed point of Celcius scale: