Final answer:
The tea kettle's heat transfer occurs through conduction from the stove, work is done by the expanding steam, and its internal energy increases with the absorption of heat. The first law of thermodynamics governs the conservation of energy within the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
We can describe the tea kettle photo in terms of heat transfer, work done, and internal energy. In the image, heat is being transferred from the stove to the kettle, primarily through a process known as conduction. This occurs when the kettle, which is in direct contact with the hot stove, absorbs heat, causing the water molecules inside to increase their kinetic energy, leading to an increase in the water's temperature and eventually causing it to boil and turn into water vapor.
As the water boils and turns into steam, work is being done by the expanding water vapor which pushes against the sides of the kettle, leading to an increase in volume. The steam might also cause a whistle to blow, signaling that boiling has occurred. This work is part of the energy transformations happening within the kettle.
The internal energy of the kettle is maintained as the temperature rises with the continuous input of heat. As heat is added, the internal energy increases due to the rise in the kinetic energy of the water molecules. The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the conservation of energy, ensures that the total amount of energy within the system is constant if the system is closed, with any added heat contributing to either doing work or increasing internal energy or a combination of both.