A hot copper rod is quickly immersed in cooler water
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics
Problem
A hot copper rod is quickly immersed in cooler water. Which statement best describes what happens at the particle level before thermal equilibrium is reached?
(a) Neither the copper atoms nor the water molecules change their kinetic energy because the total energy of the system is conserved.
(b) Copper atoms transfer energy to water molecules, increasing the average kinetic energy of the water over time.
(c) Energy flows from the water to the copper because there are more water molecules colliding with the copper surface.
(d) Because water has a higher specific heat capacity than copper, it releases energy to the copper until both substances reach the same temperature.