Final answer:
The sign of net energy transfer depends on whether energy is being gained or lost by the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sign of net energy transfer depends on whether energy is being gained or lost by the system. In the case of the gas inside a hot air balloon as it is inflated using a propane burner, the energy transfer is positive because heat is being added to the gas to increase its temperature and volume. For an ice cube in your hand, the energy transfer is negative because heat is being transferred from the warmer hand to the cooler ice cube, causing it to melt. Finally, in the case of a brick being lifted from the ground to the top of a wall, the energy transfer is positive because work is being done on the brick to increase its gravitational potential energy.
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