Two objects, with different sizes, masses, and temperatures, are placed in thermal contact. In which direction does the energy travel?
Correct answer: C. Energy travels from the object at a higher temperature to the object at a lower temperature
- A. Energy travels from the larger object to the smaller object
- B. Energy travels from the object with more mass to the one with less mass
- C. Energy travels from the object at a higher temperature to the object at a lower temperature
- D. Energy does not travel
Explanation
Correct option is C.The energy travels from the object at higher temperature to the object at lower temperature.Equilibrium is the condition of a system when neither its state of motion nor its the internal energy state tends to change with time.Energy travels from the particle with greater kinetic energy to the particle with lower kinetic energy to maintain equilibrium condition. The vibrating atoms of the system with higher temperature will collide with the atoms or molecules of the system with lower temperature and transfer the energy gained from the hot system. Energy transfer will take place until equilibrium conditions are acquired.Thermal energy naturally flows from hot towards cold. Hence energy travels from the object at higher temperature to the object at lower temperature.
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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.
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