Question

How is a bouncing ball similar to a melting ice cube? A Both are transferring their internal heat energy into the external environment. B Both are transferring heat into the environment from their internal heat or motion energy. C Both are transferring motion energy into the environment from their internal stored heat or motion energy. D Both are contributing to a total loss of energy within the system.

Answer 1

The correct option is A) Both are transferring their internal heat energy into the external environment.

A bouncing ball and a melting ice cube both involve the transfer of heat energy from the object to the environment. In the case of the bouncing ball, the internal energy of the ball, which is in the form of kinetic energy due to its motion, is transferred to the surface it bounces off and to the air through friction. In the case of the melting ice cube, the internal energy of the ice, which is in the form of heat energy, is transferred to the surrounding environment (air or water) causing it to melt. Both processes involve the transfer of internal energy into the external environment.