Multiple Choice Question
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.
B. The temperature of the water will decrease and the temperature of the metal will also decrease.
B. The temperature of the water will decrease and the temperature of the metal will also decrease.
To determine the best answer to this multiple-choice question, we need to understand the process of heat transfer. When a piece of metal is heated and then submerged in cool water, heat will transfer from the metal to the water. This transfer of heat will cause changes in the temperature of both the water and the metal.
To find the correct response, we need to consider which statement accurately reflects the temperature changes that occur during this process.
Option A states that the temperature of the water will decrease, while the temperature of the metal will increase. This is not correct because, in this scenario, heat is being transferred from the metal to the water. This heat transfer will cause the temperature of the metal to decrease while simultaneously increasing the temperature of the water. Hence, option A is incorrect.
Option B suggests that both the temperature of the water and the metal will decrease. This answer is also incorrect because it does not account for the heat transfer from the metal to the water, which increases the water's temperature.
Option C correctly describes the temperature changes that occur during this process. As discussed, heat will transfer from the metal to the water, causing the temperature of the metal to decrease while the temperature of the water increases.
Option D states that the temperature of both the water and the metal will increase. This is incorrect because the heat transfer described above will cause the temperature of the metal to decrease, not increase.
Therefore, the correct answer is C.