Question

question 4. in which investigation will the liquids approach thermal equilibrium faster, and why? a. investigation a; since the temperatures are closer together, less thermal energy will move from the warm water to the cool water. it will take less time to transfer less energy. b. investigation a; since the temperatures are closer together, less thermal energy will move from the cool water to the warm water. it will take less time to transfer less energy. c. investigation b; since the temperatures are farther apart, more thermal energy will move from the warm water to the cool water. it will take less time to transfer more energy. d. investigation b; since the temperatures are farther apart, less energy will move from the cool water to the warm water. it will take less time to transfer less energy.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand thermal energy transfer

Thermal energy transfers from warmer to cooler substances. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the transfer.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: If temperatures are closer (Investigation A: smaller temperature difference), less thermal energy transfer (since less “driving force” for transfer), so less time to reach equilibrium.
• Option B: If temperatures are closer (Investigation A), should be less energy transfer, not more.
• Option C: If temperatures are farther apart (Investigation B), more energy transfer (greater “driving force”), so more time, not less.
• Option D: Energy moves from warm to cool. If temperatures are farther apart (Investigation B), more energy transfer, not less.

Answer:

A. Investigation A; Since the temperatures are closer together, less thermal energy will move from the warm water to the cool water. It will take less time to transfer less energy.