MCAT Physics Question 32: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 32

2. Which of the following choices correctly identifies the following three heat transfer processes?

I. Heat transferred from the Sun to the Earth

II. A metal spoon heating up when placed in a pot of hot soup

III. A rising plume of smoke from a fire

  • A. I. Radiation; II. Conduction; III. Convection
  • B. I. Conduction; II. Radiation; III. Convection
  • C. I. Radiation; II. Convection; III. Conduction
  • D. I. Convection; II. Conduction; III. Radiation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Because there is essentially only empty space between the Sun and the Earth, the only means of heat transfer is by radiation—electromagnetic waves that propagate across space. When a metal spoon is placed in a pot of hot soup, the molecules in the soup collide with those on the surface of the spoon, thereby transferring heat by conduction. Finally, fire warms the air above it, and the warmed air is less dense than the surrounding air, so it rises. A rising column of warm air means that heat is being transported in the air mass, which is simply the process of convection. The smoke particles ride along with the upward moving air current and create a plume of smoke.

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