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.
To determine which statement is correct, let's consider 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 until they reach a thermal equilibrium.
In this scenario, the metal is initially at a higher temperature than the water. Therefore, heat will flow from the metal to the water. As the heat flows, the temperature of the metal will decrease, while the temperature of the water will increase.
So, the correct answer is C. The temperature of the water will increase, while the temperature of the metal will decrease.