Question

when discussing thermal equilibrium, which of the following statements is correct regarding energy flow?
a. energy flows from cooler to warmer objects until equilibrium is reached.
b. energy flow stops only when all objects are at absolute zero.
c. energy flows from warmer to cooler objects until equilibrium is reached.
d. energy flow does not occur between objects of different states of matter.

Explanation:

Thermal equilibrium is when there is no net heat transfer between objects. Heat (a form of energy) flows from warmer to cooler objects (based on the second law of thermodynamics). It stops when thermal equilibrium (same temperature) is reached, not when objects are at absolute zero (which is unattainable in practice for most scenarios in this context). Energy flow does occur between different states of matter (e.g., heat transfer from a hot gas to a cooler solid).

Answer:

C. Energy flows from warmer to cooler objects until equilibrium is reached.