two identical blocks are heated to different temperatures. the blocks are placed so that they touch, and…
two identical blocks are heated to different temperatures. the blocks are placed so that they touch, and heat begins to flow between the blocks. the pair of blocks is insulated, so no energy escapes.\n\nlater, the temperature of each block is measured again. which pair of temperatures is possible?
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Understand heat - flow principle
Heat flows from a higher - temperature object to a lower - temperature object until thermal equilibrium is reached. Initially, Block 1 is at 140°C and Block 2 is at 160°C. So heat will flow from Block 2 to Block 1.
Step2: Analyze each option
- Option 1: Block 1 at 127°C and Block 2 at 173°C. This is not possible because Block 1 has cooled down further and Block 2 has heated up, which is against the direction of heat - flow.
- Option 2: Block 1 at 0°C and Block 2 at 20°C. This is not possible as the initial temperatures are 140°C and 160°C, and the system is insulated, so the temperatures cannot drop to such low values.
- Option 3: Block 1 at 148°C and Block 2 at 152°C. This is possible as heat has flowed from Block 2 (160°C) to Block 1 (140°C), and the two blocks are approaching thermal equilibrium.