two pots with different amounts of water are heated by identical flames for several minutes. which one…

Explanation:

Step1: Recall heat - absorption principle

The amount of heat energy $Q$ absorbed by a substance is given by $Q = mc\Delta T$, where $m$ is the mass, $c$ is the specific - heat capacity, and $\Delta T$ is the change in temperature. Here, the specific - heat capacity of water $c$ is the same for both pots, and assume the initial and final temperatures are the same (since they are heated for the same time by identical flames), so $\Delta T$ is the same. The pot with more water has a greater mass $m$.

Step2: Compare the masses of water in pots

From the picture, pot B has more water than pot A, so the mass of water in pot B ($m_B$) is greater than the mass of water in pot A ($m_A$), i.e., $m_B>m_A$.

Step3: Determine the absorbed heat

Since $Q = mc\Delta T$, with $c$ and $\Delta T$ constant, and $m_B>m_A$, then $Q_B>Q_A$. So pot B absorbs more thermal energy.

Answer:

Pot B