What term describes the thermal energy that flows from a hotter object to a cooler object?

What term describes the thermal energy that flows from a hotter object to a cooler object?

• A. Heat
• B. Temperature
• C. Work
• D. Energy

Answer: (A)

Heat is the energy that flows between objects because of a temperature difference. Temperature tells us how hot something is, not the energy moving. When a hotter object and a cooler object are connected so energy can move, heat transfers from the hotter to the cooler until their temperatures equalize. The amount of heat transferred depends on the temperature difference, the materials’ ability to conduct heat, the contact area, and how long they’re in contact. Energy is a broad term, and work is energy transfer by a force causing displacement, but heat specifically describes energy in transit due to a temperature difference.

Heat is the energy that flows between objects because of a temperature difference. Temperature tells us how hot something is, not the energy moving. When a hotter object and a cooler object are connected so energy can move, heat transfers from the hotter to the cooler until their temperatures equalize. The amount of heat transferred depends on the temperature difference, the materials’ ability to conduct heat, the contact area, and how long they’re in contact. Energy is a broad term, and work is energy transfer by a force causing displacement, but heat specifically describes energy in transit due to a temperature difference.