232k views
1 vote
In order to make traditional s'mores, you must toast a marshmallow over a fire and then place it on a block of chocolate that is sandwiched between 2 graham crackers. During this process, all three types of heat transfer are utilized. Using your prior knowledge, identify where the 3 types of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) happen when making s'mores.

a) Conduction: in the fire; Convection: when placing the marshmallow on the chocolate; Radiation: during toasting.
b) Conduction: during toasting; Convection: in the fire; Radiation: when placing the marshmallow on the chocolate.
c) Conduction: when placing the marshmallow on the chocolate; Convection: during toasting; Radiation: in the fire.
d) Conduction: during toasting; Convection: when placing the marshmallow on the chocolate; Radiation: in the fire.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The correct types of heat transfer when making s'mores are conduction during toasting (marshmallow to chocolate), convection within the fire, and radiation while toasting the marshmallow near the flames.

Step-by-step explanation:

When making traditional s'mores, the three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation occur in distinct parts of the process. Here's how each type is utilized:

  • Conduction happens when you place the toasted marshmallow on the chocolate. The heat from the hot marshmallow is transferred through direct contact to the chocolate, melting it.
  • Convection occurs within the fire. As the fire burns, the air around it heats up and rises, while cooler air moves in to replace it, forming a convection current. This is the movement of heat through a fluid, which in this case is the air.
  • Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. When toasting the marshmallow, you hold it near the fire, and it's heated by the infrared radiation coming from the flames without direct contact.

The correct answer to the student's question, which identifies where each type of heat transfer occurs when making s'mores, is option b: Conduction: during toasting; Convection: in the fire; Radiation: when placing the marshmallow on the chocolate.

User Amitesh Ranjan
by
8.9k points