Answer to Question #22454 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Tom Edginton

Question

When very hot Iron is placed in cool water, does the decrease in Iron temp equal the increase in water temp.? And 2) does the Iron and the water reach the same temperature? and 3) Is the final temperature of the Iron and Water halfway between the intial temps of each?

Answer 1

According to the laws of thermodynamics:
The system of water and Iron reach thermodynamics equilibrium. The condition of the equilibrium is equality of the temperature of water and temperature of iron.
1)
The final temperature and increase or decrease of temperatures are depending on weights of water and iron (and also on their heat capacities).
2)
& The Iron and water will reach the same temperature.
3)
Cannot say whether the final temperature of the iron and water halfway between the initial temps of each. It depends on weights of water and iron and also on their heat capacities.