Final answer:
Heat transfers from a warmer object to a cooler one until both objects reach the same temperature, a process that continues until thermal equilibrium is achieved due to the conservation of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Heat Transfer Between Two Objects
When two objects at different temperatures are placed in proximity, heat will naturally transfer from the warmer object to the cooler one. This process occurs until thermal equilibrium is established, meaning both objects reach the same temperature. For example, consider an object X with a high temperature, Tx, and object Y with a lower temperature, Ty (Tx > Ty). When brought into contact, the temperature difference causes a spontaneous heat flow from object X (hotter) to object Y (cooler). This results in a loss of thermal energy by object X, while object Y experiences a gain in thermal energy. The conservation of energy law dictates that the total energy within the system remains constant throughout this exchange.