When ice is placed in hot water, what happens to the temperature of the ice and the water as they reach thermal equilibrium?

• A. The temperature of the ice decreases and the temperature of the water increases until both reach the same temperature.
• B. Both the ice and the water maintain their initial temperatures and do not change.
• C. The temperature of the ice increases while the temperature of the water decreases until both reach the same temperature.
• D. The temperature of the ice increases, but the temperature of the water remains constant.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of thermal equilibrium: When two substances at different temperatures are in contact, heat flows from the hotter substance to the cooler one until both reach the same temperature.
2. Identify the initial temperatures: Ice is initially at a low temperature (usually 0°C or below), and hot water is at a higher temperature.
3. Apply the principle of heat transfer: Heat energy will flow from the hot water to the ice, causing the ice to absorb heat and increase in temperature.
4. Recognize the effect on the water: As the water loses heat to the ice, its temperature decreases.
5. Conclude that both the ice and the water change temperature until they reach the same final temperature, which is the thermal equilibrium point.