A piece of metal is heated and then submerged in cool water. Which statement below best describes what happens? A. The temperature of the water will decrease, while the temperature of the metal will increase. B. The temperature of the water will decrease and the temperature of the metal will also decrease. C. The temperature of the water will increase, while the temperature of the metal will decrease. D. The temperature of the water will increase and the temperature of the metal will also increase.
C. The temperature of the water will increase, while the temperature of the metal will decrease.
The correct answer is C. The temperature of the water will increase, while the temperature of the metal will decrease.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the concept of heat transfer. When a hot object is placed in a cooler environment, heat is transferred from the hotter object to the cooler surroundings until they reach thermal equilibrium.
In this scenario, when the metal is heated and then submerged in cool water, heat will flow from the metal to the water until they reach the same temperature. In other words, the metal will transfer heat to the water, causing the metal to cool down and the water to heat up.
So, the correct answer to the question is C. The temperature of the water will increase, while the temperature of the metal will decrease.