Question

A stone is boiled in 100°C water for one hour. It is removed and placed in air that is 21°C.

Which statement best explains what happens?
O The molecules of both the stone and the air move at the same speed, so no energy is transferred.
O
The rapidly moving molecules of air collide with the rapidly vibrating stone molecules and lose energy. The air temperature
decreases.
O
The slower-moving molecules of air collide with the rapidly vibrating stone molecules. The air molecules gain energy
raising the air temperature.
O
The slow-moving stone molecules strike the rapidly moving air molecules and transfer thermal energy, thereby decreasing
the air temperature.

Answer 1

The slower-moving molecules of air collide with the rapidly vibrating stone molecules, transferring thermal energy and increasing the air temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best explains what happens is: The slower-moving molecules of air collide with the rapidly vibrating stone molecules. The air molecules gain energy raising the air temperature.

When the stone is placed in the 100°C water, its molecules gain thermal energy and vibrate rapidly. When it is removed and placed in the 21°C air, the slower-moving air molecules collide with the rapidly vibrating stone molecules, transferring thermal energy to the air molecules and increasing the air temperature.

This process is known as thermal equilibrium and it occurs when two objects with different temperatures are in contact, resulting in the transfer of thermal energy between them.

Learn more about Transfer of thermal energy between objects