Question

hot coffee in a mug cools over time and the mug warms up. which describes the energy in this system?
the average kinetic energy of the particles in the mug decreases.
the average kinetic energy of the particles in the coffee increases.
thermal energy from the mug is transferred to the coffee.
thermal energy from the coffee is transferred to the mug.

Explanation:

• Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles. As the coffee cools (temperature decreases), the average kinetic energy of its particles decreases. As the mug warms up (temperature increases), the average kinetic energy of its particles increases.
• Thermal energy transfer occurs from the hotter object (coffee) to the cooler object (mug).

Answer:

Thermal energy from the coffee is transferred to the mug.