Consider two closed systems A and B. System A contains 3000 kJ of thermal energy at 20°C, whereas system B contains 200 kJ of thermal energy at 50°C. Now the systems are brought into contact with each other. Determine the direction of any heat transfer between the two systems.
Heat always flows from hotter to colder regions, regardless of the amount of thermal energy contained therein.
To determine the direction of heat transfer between two systems, we need to compare their temperatures and thermal energies. Heat always flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.
Let's compare the temperatures of the systems:
System A: 20°C
System B: 50°C
Since the temperature of system B is higher than that of system A, heat will naturally flow from system B to system A. This is because heat flows from higher temperature to lower temperature.
Now, let's compare the thermal energies of the systems:
System A: 3000 kJ
System B: 200 kJ
The thermal energy comparison is not necessary to determine the direction of heat transfer. The temperature difference alone is sufficient to determine that heat will flow from system B to system A.
Therefore, heat will transfer from system B to system A until both systems reach thermal equilibrium.
To determine the direction of heat transfer between the two systems, we need to compare their temperatures and the amount of thermal energy they contain.
System A: 3000 kJ, 20°C
System B: 200 kJ, 50°C
Heat transfer occurs from a higher temperature region to a lower temperature region. Since the temperature of System B is higher than that of System A, heat will transfer from System B to System A.
Therefore, the direction of heat transfer is from System B to System A.