Objects A and B are placed in thermal contact at t=0. Their temperatures are recorded every 10s for one minute, yielding the data below.
Time (s)
TA (∘C)
TB (∘C)
0
65
25
10
58
31
20
52
36
30
47
40
40
44
43
50
42
45
60
41
46
(a) Based on the initial data, determine which object had the greater average molecular kinetic energy at t=0. Justify your answer with reference to molecular motion.
(b) Explain, using atomic-level collisions, why the rate of temperature change for each object decreases as time progresses.
(c) Using trends in the data, predict the temperature at which the two objects will reach thermal equilibrium. Explain your reasoning in terms of energy distribution among particles.