Question

a 1 pound block of iron is at a temperature of 43°c. then, the block’s thermal energy decreases. assume its mass does not change. which is a possible new temperature for the block of iron? 36°c 48°c submit

Explanation:

Step1: Recall thermal energy - temperature relation

Thermal energy and temperature are related (for a fixed mass/substance, lower thermal energy means lower temperature, as \( Q = mc\Delta T \), so if \( Q \) (thermal energy) decreases, \( \Delta T \) (temperature change) is negative if mass \( m \) and specific heat \( c \) are constant).

Step2: Compare temperatures

Initial temp: \( 43^\circ\text{C} \). Decreasing thermal energy means temperature should be less than \( 43^\circ\text{C} \). \( 36^\circ\text{C} < 43^\circ\text{C} \), \( 48^\circ\text{C} > 43^\circ\text{C} \). So the possible new temp is \( 36^\circ\text{C} \).

Answer:

\( 36^\circ\text{C} \)