Which statement correctly describes the direction of heat transfer between two objects at different temperatures?

Which statement correctly describes the direction of heat transfer between two objects at different temperatures?

• A. From cold to hot
• B. From hot to cold
• C. No heat transfer if they touch
• D. Heat transfer depends on the material

Answer: (B)

Heat transfer moves energy from the object that is hotter to the one that is cooler. When two objects have different temperatures, energy flows spontaneously in that direction until they reach the same temperature. This happens through conduction (touching), convection (movement of a fluid), or radiation (emission of infrared energy). The speed or amount of heat transferred depends on materials and interfaces, but the direction is determined by which object is hotter. If temperatures are equal, there’s no net heat transfer. So the correct idea is that heat goes from hot to cold.

Heat transfer moves energy from the object that is hotter to the one that is cooler. When two objects have different temperatures, energy flows spontaneously in that direction until they reach the same temperature. This happens through conduction (touching), convection (movement of a fluid), or radiation (emission of infrared energy). The speed or amount of heat transferred depends on materials and interfaces, but the direction is determined by which object is hotter. If temperatures are equal, there’s no net heat transfer. So the correct idea is that heat goes from hot to cold.