Question

which best explains why water boils in a pot sitting over fire?
heat energy is created from the thermal energy in the air.
heat energy is transferred from the water to the fire.
thermal energy from the fire moves to the water in the form of heat.
thermal energy from the surrounding air moves to the water.

Explanation:

Heat transfer occurs from a higher - temperature source (fire) to a lower - temperature substance (water). Fire has high thermal energy which is transferred to water as heat, causing water to boil. Heat energy isn't created from air thermal energy as energy can't be created from nothing. Heat doesn't transfer from water to fire as heat moves from high to low temperature. And the main source of heat here is the fire, not the surrounding air.

Answer:

Thermal energy from the fire moves to the water in the form of heat.