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.
A. Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.
Based on the diagram and the information given, the thermal energy will 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.
To determine the direction of thermal energy flow between the two flasks, we need to understand the concept of heat transfer. Heat transfer occurs because of temperature differences between two objects or substances. In this case, we have two flasks - one with hot water and the other with room temperature water.
Thermal energy (heat) flows from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature until the temperatures are equal or balanced. This process is known as heat conduction. Conductive materials, like the metal bar connecting the flasks, facilitate heat transfer by allowing the movement of thermal energy.
In our scenario, the flask on the left contains hot water, which is at a higher temperature than the room temperature water in the flask on the right. According to the principle of heat transfer, thermal energy will flow from the flask with higher temperature (left flask) to the flask with lower temperature (right flask).
Therefore, the correct answer is A. Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.