Question

unit exam: thermal energy and earths processes listen joe conducts an investigation using a closed system that contains an ice cube and water at room temperature. over time, he observes that the ice cube melts. based on this observation, what conclusion can be drawn about the transfer of thermal energy within the closed system? thermal energy from the water moves to the ice, causing it to melt and reach an energy balance. a decrease in the temperature of the water causes the ice to melt, leading to energy loss in the system. light and mechanical energy from the water reach the ice, causing it to melt and change states. thermal energy from the water and air transfers to the ice, causing it to melt within the system

Explanation:

In a closed - system with ice and water at room temperature, heat (thermal energy) always flows from a higher - temperature substance (water) to a lower - temperature substance (ice). This transfer of thermal energy causes the ice to melt until an equilibrium is reached. There is no light or mechanical energy involved in this simple melting process, and in a closed system, energy is conserved, so there is no energy loss. The air is not part of the closed system described which only contains ice and water.

Answer:

Thermal energy from the water moves to the ice, causing it to melt and reach an energy balance.