The diagram below shows two flasks of water, one with hot water and the other with room temperature water, which are connected by a conductive metal bar.
When initially set up, in which direction does the thermal energy between the flasks flow?
A.
Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.
B.
Thermal energy flows from the flask on the right to the flask on the left.
C.
Thermal energy does not flow between the two flasks.
D.
Thermal energy flows equally between the two flasks.
The thermal energy will initially flow from the flask with hot water to the flask with room temperature water. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.
A.
Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.
To determine the direction of thermal energy flow between the two flasks, we need to consider the concept of thermal equilibrium. Thermal equilibrium occurs when two objects are in contact and have the same temperature, meaning there is no net flow of heat between them.
In the given scenario, one flask contains hot water, while the other flask contains room temperature water. Since hot water has a higher temperature than room temperature water, there will be a temperature difference between the two flasks.
Thermal energy flows from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature. This is known as the principle of heat transfer or the second law of thermodynamics. Consequently, in this scenario, the thermal energy will flow from the flask with hot water (higher temperature) to the flask with room temperature water (lower temperature).
Therefore, the correct answer is A. Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.