Let's analyze the situation step-by-step to determine which statement is true for a piece of ice at [tex]$0^{\circ} C$[/tex] placed into a freezer at [tex]$-18^{\circ} C$[/tex]:
### Understanding the Scenario
1. Initial Condition: The ice is at [tex]$0^{\circ} C$[/tex].
2. Environment Condition: The freezer is at [tex]$-18^{\circ} C$[/tex].
### Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
When an object is placed in an environment with a different temperature, thermal energy (heat) transfer occurs due to the temperature difference. Heat always travels from the object at a higher temperature to the object at a lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is achieved.
### Applying to Our Scenario
- Ice Temperature: [tex]$0^{\circ} C$[/tex]
- Freezer Temperature: [tex]$-18^{\circ} C$[/tex]
Here, the ice is initially at a higher temperature ([tex]$0^{\circ} C$[/tex]) compared to the freezing environment ([tex]$-18^{\circ} C$[/tex]). Therefore, heat will transfer:
- Direction of Heat Flow: From the ice (warmer) to the freezer (colder).
### Effects on the Ice
- Thermal Energy Loss: The ice will lose thermal energy to the surrounding freezer.
- Temperature Change of Ice: The temperature of the ice will decrease until it approaches the surrounding temperature of the freezer, [tex]$-18^{\circ} C$[/tex].
Now, let’s evaluate the given statements based on this understanding:
- A. The ice cube will gain thermal energy from the surroundings: This is false because the freezer is colder than the ice, so the ice cannot gain thermal energy from a colder environment.
- B. The ice cube will remain unchanged: This is false because the ice will lose heat and its temperature will decrease.
- C. The ice cube will lose thermal energy to the surroundings: This is true because heat transfers from the ice (warmer) to the surroundings (colder) resulting in a loss of thermal energy.
- D. The ice cube will gain mass from the surroundings: This is false because there is no process in place for the ice to gain mass.
### Conclusion
The true statement is:
C. The ice cube will lose thermal energy to the surroundings.
