Question

a solid object heated to 120°c is placed inside a container of water at 33°c. what is the best explanation of the resulting change in temperature?
a the temperature of both the water and solid will decrease.

b the temperature of the solid will decrease and the water will decrease.

c the temperature of the water will increase; the temperature of the solid will decrease.

d the temperature of the water will remain constant; the temperature of the solid will decrease.

Explanation:

When a hot solid (120°C) is placed in cooler water (33°C), heat transfers from the solid (higher temperature) to the water (lower temperature). So the solid's temperature decreases as it loses heat, and the water's temperature increases as it gains heat. Option C states "The temperature of the water will increase; the temperature of the solid will decrease," which matches this heat transfer principle. Option A is wrong (water shouldn't decrease). Option B is wrong (water should increase, not decrease). Option D is wrong (water temperature won't remain constant as it gains heat).

Answer:

C. The temperature of the water will increase; the temperature of the solid will decrease.