Final answer:
Heat transfer from hot coffee to a room temperature spoon occurs through conduction, causing the spoon to heat up until thermal equilibrium is reached.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a spoon at room temperature is placed in a cup of hot coffee, heat transfer occurs through a process known as conduction. The thermal energy from the hot coffee flows to the cooler spoon, causing the spoon's temperature to increase. This transfer continues until thermal equilibrium is reached, which means the spoon and the coffee would eventually settle at the same temperature if not interrupted. Conduction is the reason you would feel heat in your hands when holding a hot cup as well. Similarly, experiments comparing the conductivity of different materials, like placing a metal spoon and a plastic spoon into hot water, can reveal which materials are better thermal conductors.