Question

3.
a student observes that when a metal spoon is placed in a hot cup of tea the handle of the spoon eventually becomes warm. which method of thermal energy transfer is responsible for this?
convection, because the heat is transferred through the movement of air around the spoon.
convection, because the heat is transferred through the movement of liquid around the spoon.
conduction, because the heat is transferred through direct contact between the hot tea and the metal spoon.
radiation, because the heat is transferred from the hot tea to the spoon through infrared waves.
clear all

Explanation:

To determine the thermal energy transfer method:

• Convection involves heat transfer via fluid (liquid or gas) movement. The first two options' explanations for convection are incorrect here (air movement isn't the cause, and the liquid movement around the spoon isn't the main reason for the spoon handle warming).
• Radiation is heat transfer via electromagnetic waves (like infrared), but this isn't how the spoon handle warms here.
• Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact (molecular collision) in a material. The hot tea heats the spoon's part in the tea, and heat conducts through the metal spoon to the handle. So the third option correctly identifies conduction as the heat is transferred through direct contact between the hot tea and the metal spoon (and then through the spoon's material to the handle).

Answer:

Conduction, because the heat is transferred through direct contact between the hot tea and the metal spoon.