Reflecting on Heat Energy Transfer
How does heat energy transfer occur in the scenario of Marina stirring her hot soup with a metal spoon?
A) Stirring creates heat energy in the spoon.
B) Marina’s hand warms the spoon she is holding.
C) Heat energy from the soup is transferred to the spoon.
D) Heat energy from the spoon is transferred to the soup.
The answer is C
Heat energy is conducted from the hot soup to the metal spoon.
When Marina stirs her hot soup with a metal spoon, the process of heat energy transfer occurs. The answer to the scenario given is option C, which states that heat energy from the soup is transferred to the spoon.
This transfer of heat energy happens due to the difference in temperature between the hot soup and the metal spoon. Heat always flows from a warmer object to a cooler object, seeking equilibrium. In this case, the hot soup has a higher temperature compared to the metal spoon, so heat energy is transferred from the soup to the spoon.
As Marina continues to stir the soup with the metal spoon, the heat energy from the soup is conducted through the metal spoon, warming it up. This is why the spoon feels warm to Marina as she stirs the hot soup.