Question

what causes the ice to melt?
○ thermal energy from the ice is transferred to the air.
○ thermal energy from jan’s hand is transferred to the ice.
○ the air absorbs thermal energy from jan’s hand.
○ jan’s hand absorbs thermal energy from the ice.

Explanation:

To determine what causes ice to melt, we analyze thermal energy transfer. Heat flows from a warmer object to a cooler one. Jan's hand is warmer than the ice, so thermal energy from Jan's hand (warmer) transfers to the ice (cooler), increasing the ice's temperature to its melting point.

• The first option is incorrect: Ice is cooler, so it can't transfer thermal energy to the air (which is likely warmer than ice but not the cause here).
• The third option is incorrect: The question is about ice melting, not air absorbing energy from the hand.
• The fourth option is incorrect: Ice is cooler, so Jan's hand (warmer) would not absorb energy from ice.

Only the second option correctly describes the thermal energy transfer from the warmer hand to the cooler ice, causing melting.

Answer:

B. Thermal energy from Jan’s hand is transferred to the ice. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A - D in order, the second option here is the correct one. If original labels were different, adjust the identifier, but the text is "Thermal energy from Jan’s hand is transferred to the ice.")