Identical Objects in Contact: Energy Transfer and Temperature Change

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When two identical objects A and B are placed in contact, thermal energy transfer occurs from A to B, resulting in A having a higher initial temperature than B. The discussion highlights a misunderstanding regarding temperature changes during energy transfer, emphasizing that heat flows from hotter to colder objects. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the question, with some arguing that A cannot have a lower temperature than B after energy transfer. Ultimately, the consensus is that A must start with a higher temperature for thermal energy to flow to B. This reinforces the principle that thermal energy transfer leads to temperature equilibrium between objects in contact.
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Homework Statement


Two identical objects A and B are placed in contact with each other. If therml energy is transferred from A to B, then A will have a higher
1) Potential energy
2) Kinetic energy
3) Temperature
4) Pressure

Homework Equations


None.

The Attempt at a Solution


I put option number 4. However, the answer scheme said that the correct answer was 3, which happened to be ridiculous.
 
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gcjdavid said:

Homework Statement


Two identical objects A and B are placed in contact with each other. If therml energy is transferred from A to B, then A will have a higher
1) Potential energy
2) Kinetic energy
3) Temperature
4) Pressure

Homework Equations


None.

The Attempt at a Solution


I put option number 4. However, the answer scheme said that the correct answer was 3, which happened to be ridiculous.
Why do you think that Temperature is ridiculous? What do you think that thermal energy is?
 
Last edited:
Thermal energy is supposed to be the amount of heat an object has. If A transfers thermal energy to B, then A would have less thermal energy than B. Thus, A would have a lower temperature than B.
 
gcjdavid said:
Thermal energy is supposed to be the amount of heat an object has. If A transfers thermal energy to B, then A would have less thermal energy than B. Thus, A would have a lower temperature than B.
A can't become colder than B when it's in contact with B. At most, it would reach equilibrium.

However, I don't think the final state is what the question is asking for. From what you wrote, I would think that they want to know the starting conditions. In that case, A has to have a higher starting temperature.
 
gcjdavid said:
Thermal energy is supposed to be the amount of heat an object has. If A transfers thermal energy to B, then A would have less thermal energy than B. Thus, A would have a lower temperature than B.
You obviously don't realize that heat flows from hotter objects to colder objects, not the other way around.
 
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