Question

a student notices ice cream melting quickly on a hot day. which statement best explains why the ice cream melts? heat transfers from the surroundings to the ice cream. the thermal energy of the ice cream decreases, causing it to melt. heat transfer from the ice cream to the surroundings. the thermal energy of the ice cream decreases, causing it to melt. heat transfers from the ice cream to the surroundings. the thermal energy of the ice cream increases, causing it to melt. heat transfer from the surroundings to the ice cream. the thermal energy of the ice cream increases, causing it to melt.

Explanation:

Heat transfers from a warmer object to a cooler object. On a hot day, the surroundings are warmer than the ice - cream. When heat transfers from the surroundings to the ice - cream, the thermal energy of the ice - cream increases. Melting is a phase change from solid to liquid which occurs when the substance gains enough thermal energy.

Answer:

Heat transfer from the surroundings to the ice cream. The thermal energy of the ice cream increases, causing it to melt.