Final answer:
A good question addressing the variables affecting thermal energy transfer is how mass and thermal conductivity impact the rate of heat transfer between two objects at different temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining thermal energy transfer in an experiment, a good question considering the variables that affect this process might be, "How do the mass of an object and its thermal conductivity impact the rate of thermal energy transfer between two objects at different temperatures?" This question focuses on two key variables: mass and thermal conductivity. Since experiments show that the heat transfer to or from a substance depends on factors such as the change in the substance's temperature, the mass of the substance, and the physical properties related to the phase of the substance, this question is appropriately limited and specific.
While conducting such an experiment, it is critical to keep in mind the fundamental principles of thermal energy transfer: energy flows from the hotter to the colder object until thermal equilibrium is reached. Recognizing the types of heat transfer (conduction, convection, or radiation) involved is also important when setting up an experiment to test the relationship between mass, thermal conductivity, and thermal energy transfer.