Two identical rooms are separated by different exterior walls
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics
Problem
Two identical rooms are separated by different exterior walls.
• Wall X is made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than Wall Y.
• Both walls have the same thickness and area.
• The inside temperature of each room is maintained at 22∘C.
• The outside temperature is 0∘C for both walls.
Which statement best explains why the room with Wall X loses thermal energy more rapidly than the room with Wall Y?
(a) Wall X is thinner than Wall Y, so heat has a shorter distance to travel through the wall.
(b) The material of Wall X allows microscopic energy carriers to transfer kinetic energy more efficiently across the wall.
(c) The temperature difference between the two faces of Wall X is greater than that of Wall Y, so a larger thermal gradient drives the heat flow.
(d) Wall X’s material has a lower specific heat capacity, so it cannot store as much energy and releases heat more rapidly.