Two identical metal spheres at 8 °C are put in two beakers with equal amounts of water, as shown below.
Two beakers are side by side; one is labeled Beaker A and the other is labeled Beaker B. Both beakers are the same shape, size, and are about two-thirds full with water. Both beakers have a metal sphere with a temperature of eight degrees Celsius submerged in the water.
Heat flows from the water to the metal spheres in Beaker A and Beaker B. Which statement is correct?
The temperature of the water in both beakers is lower than 8 °C.
The temperature of the water in both beakers is greater than 8 °C.
The temperature of the water in both beakers will increase.
The temperature of the metal spheres in both beakers will decrease.
The correct statement is:
The temperature of the water in both beakers will increase.
To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of heat transfer between objects. Heat flows from an object with a higher temperature to an object with a lower temperature until both objects reach thermal equilibrium. In this case, the metal spheres in Beaker A and Beaker B have a temperature of 8 °C, which is lower than the initial temperature of the water.
When the metal spheres are submerged in the water, heat will flow from the water to the spheres until both reach thermal equilibrium. Therefore, the temperature of the water in both beakers will decrease as heat is transferred to the metal spheres.
Based on this, the correct statement is: The temperature of the water in both beakers is lower than 8 °C.